Javier Bardem Joins Denis Villeneuve's DUNE

Javier Bardem is in talks to join the already impressive cast of the upcoming adaptation of Frank Herbert's "Dune". Directed by Denis Villeneuve ("Blade Runner 2049", "Arrival"), the film has gathered an impressive A-list ensemble that already includes Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista and Charlotte Rampling, while Oscar Isaac and Zendaya are in negotiations.

The story follows young Paul Atreides (Chalamet) and his family as they battle for control of the harsh desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune, which is at the center of galactic intrigue because it's the only source of the "spice melange", a highly valuable drug that confers psychic abilities, can extend a human life, and is vital for space travel. Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV grants the Atreides family control of the spice harvesting operations, but a betrayal orchestrated by a powerful rival family, the House Harkonnen, forces Paul to become the leader of a rebellion to restore his family's reign.

Bardem is set to star as Stilgar, the leader of a tribe that will help Paul mount the rebellion against the Harkonnen. Isaac and Ferguson will co-star as Paul's parents. Skarsgard is on board to play the villain, Baron Harkonnen, Bautista will star as his newphew, and Rampling will play Gaius Helen Mohiam, Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit, a religious order with great political and social influence in Herbert's universe. If negotiations end well, Zendaya will join the cast as Chani, the love interest for Timothee Chalamet's Paul.

Villeneuve co-wrote the script alongside Oscar-winner Eric Roth ("A Star Is Born") and Jon Spaihts ("Prometheus"). Rights for the novel were acquired by Legendary in 2016, to be used for both film and TV properties. Kevin J. Anderson, the sci-fi author who penned spin-off novels for "Star Wars", "StarCraft", and "The X-Files", and with Brian Herbert is the co-author of the "Dune" prequel series, will serve as a creative consultant on the project.

Filming is expected to begin this spring in Budapest and Jordan.

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