The Untold Tale of Casting Dune's Paul Atreides: An Actor's Heartbreaking Loss Revealed in David Lynch's Oral History Book

Summary

"A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch's Dune" chronicles the struggles and challenges behind the making of Lynch's polarizing adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic novel.

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The book includes interviews with members of the cast and crew, such as Zach Galligan and Virginia Madsen, who discuss the casting process and the intense pressure of auditioning for the lead role in a project as high-profile as this.

This extensive oral history takes a deep dive into the successes and challenges of the adaptation, making it a must-read for fans of Lynch's Dune and those curious about the behind-the-scenes intricacies of the movie's troubled production.

David Lynch's divisive adaptation of Dune is receiving an in-depth behind-the-scenes account in A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch's Dune. Before Denis Villeneuve's critically acclaimed version, Frank Herbert's sci-fi epic novel was brought to the screen in Lynch's 1984 film, featuring an ensemble cast led by Kyle MacLachlan, who would later become a frequent collaborator. Despite facing interference from the studio and the challenge of adapting a lengthy source material, Dune was met with critical and commercial disappointment upon its release. However, it has since gained a devoted following.

In anticipation of the book's publication, Screen Rant is pleased to present an exclusive preview from A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch's Dune. The excerpt below includes interviews with Zach Galligan, known for his role in Gremlins, Virginia Madsen, and Craig Campobasso, an assistant in the movie's production office. They discuss the casting process of the infamous 1984 film, particularly Galligan's experience of losing the role of Paul Atreides. Take a look at the exclusive preview below:

The most coveted role in Dune was the protagonist, Paul Atreides. Numerous up-and-coming young actors were considered for the part, including Zach Galligan, who had recently starred in the quirky comedy Nothing Lasts Forever at the age of 18, before gaining fame for his iconic role in Gremlins. Jane Jenkins, from The Casting Company, arranged for Galligan to attend a casting session in New York City on August 19, 1982, and then again on August 23.

ZACH GALLIGAN (Actor, Gremlins): The usual process was that I had a preliminary meeting with Jane or Janet [Hirshenson] on the 19th, where they could assess my suitability for the role. They wanted to see if I looked the part, if I had any issues, like visible tattoos, and if I was familiar with the books and David Lynch's work. On the 23rd, I met David for the first time. The Dune project, with Lynch's involvement, generated a lot of excitement, so auditioning for it felt different. It wasn't just another movie. It was a big deal. I was actually more nervous for my Dune interview than my Gremlins one. Gremlins was associated with Spielberg, but it was directed by Joe Dante, so it was still thrilling. But going for Dune, the tension was palpable in the waiting room. Not having a script to study, which is usually a safety net, made it even worse. I distinctly remember being in the waiting room with other actors. Some were pacing and rehearsing questions in their heads, while others sat calmly with their eyes closed, trying to relax. Going for the lead role in Dune felt like stepping into the big leagues. It was a significant milestone for me after Nothing Lasts Forever. I have great admiration for Jane. I've always found her to be a genuinely pleasant person. She had met me previously for The Outsiders. Along with casting directors like Juliet Taylor, she exemplified kindness, genuine interest in actors, and embodied the casting culture of the '80s.

Virginia Madsen, who portrayed "Princess Irulan," emphasized the significance of Jane and Janet Hirshenson as the prominent casting directors of that era. Only a handful of casting directors held such importance, and without the support of these two women, it was difficult for actors to make progress. Unlike the present, their focus was on enhancing the actors' performances rather than their physical appearances. Acting coaches at heart, they strived to ensure that all actors were truly excellent before presenting themselves to the director and producers.

Despite being well-prepared by Jenkins, Galligan, on the other hand, does not look back favorably on Lynch's rapid casting process.

ZACH GALLIGAN (Actor, Gremlins): Lynch's unconventional approach to casting meant that he didn't actually read actors. Instead, you would meet him and have a 15-minute conversation. It was nerve-racking because I just wanted to be what he envisioned. Pleasing him and embodying the character seemed impossible. How do you audition for a role like Paul-Muad'Dib? I knew there was no way to do that, so I decided to be myself and hope for the best.

CRAIG CAMPOBASSO (Production Office Assistant): Johanna Ray, who was my casting mentor, became David's casting director from Blue Velvet onwards. She would bring in actors for him to meet, and he would simply say yes or no. There was no actual reading involved, except during the screen tests.

Why A Masterpiece In Disarray Is Perfect For David Lynch's Dune Fans

Upon meeting David in 1982, I found him to be vibrant and optimistic, exuding a distinct Midwestern charm with his pompadour hairstyle and friendly demeanor. It felt like a scene from Fargo, where he would warmly greet you, asking about your day, your interests, and your life in New York City. It was truly remarkable how genuine he was, although some find it hard to believe. He would genuinely inquire about your plans and experiences, making you feel valued and appreciated. As an actor, however, this was a bit frustrating for me. I was eager to showcase my talent, having recently worked with Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. Being an 18-year-old rising star, I wanted to impress David, to prove what I was capable of. But it seemed to come down to whether he liked me or not. Looking at the casting choices in some of his movies, it often appeared as if luck played a role. This, in my opinion, defeats the purpose of acting. The essence of the craft is to embody a character, to disappear into someone else's shoes, like Sean Penn did in Milk, I Am Sam, or Spicoli. Jane informed me that David simply didn't respond, bringing my audition to an abrupt end. As a young and slightly frustrated actor, I complained to my agent about the unfairness of not even getting a chance to read for the role. I soon discovered that other directors followed a similar approach. For example, Jon Amiel, the director of Copycat, and Richard Lester, who helmed A Hard Day's Night, also relied on their instincts rather than formal auditions. Many British directors shared this perspective, assuming that if a casting director sent an actor their way, they must be capable of anything. All they wanted to ascertain was whether they could establish a connection with the actor.

Prior to Lynch's involvement, there were multiple attempts to adapt Dune for the big screen, including Alejandro Jodorowsky's notable effort that ultimately resulted in a documentary chronicling the ill-fated production. Almost a decade later, ARROW streaming service released The Sleeper Must Awaken, a documentary featuring new interviews with the cast and crew of Lynch's Dune, as well as archival interviews with Herbert and Lynch.

Noted film writer and journalist Max Evry offers a more comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced in the production of Lynch's Dune in his book, A Masterpiece in Disarray. Starting with the inception of Herbert's novel and delving into the struggles Lynch encountered throughout and after the making of the film, Evry thoroughly examines the ups and downs of the adaptation. The book goes beyond interviews with Lynch, his cast, and crew, also featuring conversations with individuals who were not involved in the movie, such as Galligan as seen in the above excerpt. With the enduring assessments of David Lynch's Dune over the past four decades, A Masterpiece in Disarray becomes a significant addition for its devoted following. Moreover, Lynch's willingness to provide new insights to Evry, despite distancing himself from the project, adds further intrigue for those interested in understanding the troubled history of the film.

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch's Dune. An Oral History hits shelves on September 19!