First things first, if you're wondering, the social media embargo on Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part II” lifts February 15 at 5 pm ET (after the London world premiere). The review embargo won’t lift until February 21 at midnight ET.
This is a good sign since ‘Dune 2’ isn’t supposed to be released theatrically until March 1. Obviously, Warner Bros has a lot of confidence in this one to let out reactions this early. They’re even using Christopher Nolan as part of their promo for the film.
As for the film itself, SPOILERS AHEAD, it looks as though Villeneuve is remaining very faithful to the book.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Villeneuve spoke about the film’s ending and he’s sticking to the source material written by Frank Herbert back in 1965. This means that, “Dune: Part Two,” just like the original novel, ends with a bit of a cliffhanger.
It’s not your typical cliffhanger, there’s still plenty of closure, but not enough. Folks who’ve read the books will know what I’m talking about, and this makes perfect sense given that Villeneuve will most likely embark on “Dune: Messiah” to answer many of the questions left open-ended in ‘Dune 2.’
“That’s how the book ends,” Villeneuve tells VF. “The ‘Dune’ book ends with the beginning of something that is out of control, and I thought this was a very powerful ending. I feel that both movies complete the adaptation of the book, and I feel very good about that. When people ask me, is there a world where I could do ‘Messiah?’ Yes…”
Villeneuve does admit that after making both ‘Dune’ films. nearly back-to-back, he wants to take time off Arakis. Two particular projects are the main options for him — “Cleopatra” or his adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s “Rendezvous With Rama.”
Of course, we all know the rule: take these reactions with a grain of salt rather than treating them as gospel. Still, I will say that the film tested like gangbusters earlier this year, and Lionsgate clearly has confidence.