Following the immersive IMAX experience of Dune: Part Two, director Denis Villeneuve is set to push boundaries further by shooting the entirety of his next film, Dune: Messiah, using full-screen IMAX 70mm cameras. This ambitious approach positions the film as one of only two Hollywood productions to be filmed completely in this high-resolution format, promising an unparalleled visual spectacle that will heighten the franchise’s cinematic impact.
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond Confirms Villeneuve’s Commitment
The groundbreaking filming method was revealed by IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond during a CNBC segment covering upcoming films. Gelfond stated,
“The next one that we’re doing that way is Dune 3. Denis Villeneuve is shooting the whole movie in IMAX film.”
Though this was the clearest indication of Villeneuve’s approach yet, an IMAX spokesperson later acknowledged Villeneuve’s use of IMAX cameras but did not fully confirm that every scene will be captured on them. Warner Bros. has yet to release an official statement on the filming process.
Specialized Equipment and Scheduling Challenges Ahead
Securing IMAX 70mm cameras is a notable challenge because they are extremely rare and currently in use by director Christopher Nolan for his project, The Odyssey. Given only a limited number of these cameras exist worldwide, Villeneuve will need to wait for Nolan’s shoot to finish before beginning production on Dune: Messiah. This constraint adds a layer of logistical complexity but also underscores the premium quality Villeneuve aims to deliver.
Expectations for Dune: Messiah’s Cinematic Scale
Fans and critics alike expressed strong enthusiasm for the visual quality achieved in the first two Dune films, particularly notable for scenes such as Paul Atreides mounting a sandworm, showcased in the impressive 1.43:1 IMAX screen ratio. With Dune: Messiah being anticipated as the visual crescendo of the series, Villeneuve’s dedication to shooting the entire film in IMAX format could create a uniquely immersive experience, elevating the saga’s impact on audiences and cinema technology alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Denis Villeneuve’s religion?
A. Villeneuve explains how his upbringing in Quebec influenced his work on Dune. As a kid, he was a dedicated Catholic. However, like many French-speaking people in Quebec, he distanced himself from the church after the Quiet Revolution in the 1960s.
Q. Is Denis Villeneuve a feminist?
A. Villeneuve was deeply influenced by the feminism of his mother and grandmother. This influence was strengthened by the public filmmaking environment in early 1990s Montreal.
