Paramount’s Dune remake is now dead in the sand
It was reported last November that Paramount Pictures was in danger of loosing the rights to remake Dune if production didn’t begin in the Spring (here), and that has now come pass. Deadline Hollywood is reporting the rights to Frank Herbert’s novel has now expired. “Paramount’s option has expired and we couldn’t reach an agreement,” said Richard P. Rubinstein, who controls the rights. While a different studio can pick up the project, Rubinstein is uncertain about the fate of the remake. “I’m going to look at my options, and whether I wind up taking the script we developed in turnaround, or start over, I’m not sure yet,” he said.
The film had been in development for four years, and Paramount’s loss came down to money. However, the Producer does have hope the film will eventually happen. “Since I know what I want, eventually, I’ll find someone who’ll agree with me. What I like is that talent has interesting things to say on how they would approach it,” he said. But for now everything is up in the air. “Right now, Dune has no commitments or attachments,” Rubinstein said. Development on the film had been on and off over the years. Peter Berg was first attached to the film, but dropped out to make Battleship. Pierre Morel (Taken) was the last person looking to have directing duties for the film, and even managed to get a script ready by Chase Palmer. Rubinstein is reportedly still interested in having Morel and Palmer work on the film, but there’s other problems that need to be sorted out first, like finding a studio to finance the film.
