ComparingDuneto the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) or the DC Extended Universe (DCU) is a bit like comparing apples to oranges. The point isn’t which franchise is better in terms of storytelling or cinematic value but which one might have the biggest impact on shaping pop culture in the upcoming decade. Thefranchise wars are intensifying, and they are definitely here to say. Speculations are rife as to who will emerge as the reigning winner of this battle royale.
The MCU has quite successfully ruled the charts for a decade and a half, while Warner Bros’ DC has floundered all over the place, trying to sort out its many stumbling blocks. In the race for relevance between the MCU vs. DCU,Dunemight just be the franchise that emerges as the winner, provided Warner Bros. backs the right horse and lets the creative minds behind it manifest their vision with freedom.
Scope of More Expansive Storytelling
At this point, the MCU is busy phasing out their older superheroes—Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America has already bowed out. The new heroes are still in the nascent stages of developing their own fandoms. But plenty of the OG fans feel the MCU has stretched itself too thin, and the hero’s arc at this point in all their retellings has lost the same stakes. The heroes have made their sacrifices, the villains have failed at their vengeance, and the Universe has been saved.
Speaking of this seemingly repetitive feel in MCU,Dunedirector Denis Villeneuve (who is no stranger to complex storytelling and showing up a mirror to the human condition at large)told The Directthat Marvel movies “have turned us into zombies a bit.” He theorized “that we are in front of too many Marvel movies that are nothing more than a ‘cut and paste’ of others.”
He toldPremierethat while this isn’t a bad thing per se, it limits the MCU, “If we’re talking about Marvel, the thing is, all these films are made from the same mold. Some filmmakers can add a little color to it, but they’re all cast in the same factory.” He clarified, “It doesn’t take anything away from the movies, but they are formatted.”
The recent buzz aroundThe Marvelsmay indicate that there is plenty of hope yet left for MCU’s relevance. The new and diverse set of actors being brought into the fold increases the scope for storytelling for the MCU; it can gain a brand-new viewership down this path as well.
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However,Dune,written by Frank Herbert, is considered a classic with a dedicated fanbase that has been waiting for years to see their favorite story on the big screen in all its splendor. The main story is rich in complex themes with stunningly robust world-building, providing a strong foundation for various adaptations. In addition, theDuneuniverse includes multiple books, comics, and even video games that explore different aspects of the world and its characters.
This provides ample opportunities for future adaptations and spin-offs. While speaking to The Direct, Villeneuve suggested that the issue with MCU and DCU isn’t that they are big-budget popcorn flicks, but they seem to have become trapped in a device of their own making. He hopes to do better withDune, “Just think of the golden age of Hollywood to see that commercial films can make a different artistic proposal and, therefore, political. I have never felt like a loss or an impediment to have a generous budget to do what I wanted to do. Upside down.”
Dune’s Unique Position
Dunefinds itself in a unique position. Written in 1965,Dunewas groundbreaking in many ways that challenged the conventions of the sci-fi genre at that time. It was considered unfilmable by most filmmakers and studios. Alejandro Jodorowsky’s attempt in the mid-1970s was ultimately abandoned due to its high production costs and artistic differences. David Lynch’s 1984 film adaptation was ultimately released to mixed reviews and box office disappointment. Several other sci-fi franchises that came later could stand tall onDune’sshoulders, so as to say.
FromStar Wars, The Matrix,andBlade RunnertoGame of ThronesandAvatar—Dune’sinfluence can be seen in their explorations of environmental themes, existential symbolism, immersive world-building as well as dynamic characters with their intriguing political, psychological, and social makeups.Dune’sinfluence on the science fiction genre has been monumental, and it continues to inspire and influence newer generations of writers, filmmakers, and artists.
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However, Denis Villeneuve’sDune, the screenplay is co-written by Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, and Eric Roth, can now be made on such a grand scale because big franchises like Star Wars, MCU, DCU, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter (the latter two of which are already on their way to reboot valley) paved the path for it. Big-budget productions that cater to the core material-loving audience; instead of trying to make a quick buck by diluting the main text.
This love for comic books, fantasy fiction, and sci-fi gained mainstream approval and popularity over the last few decades, along with the rise of geek culture. Once deemed profitable, studios have been rushing in to find their own big goldmine.
With Villeneuve, Greig Fraser (cinematography), Joe Walker (editing),Hans Zimmer (music)behind the wheels and a star cast that includes some of the biggest heavyweights of the industry—Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgård, Javier Bardem, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa—Dunecan just become the crowning glory for Warner Bros. provided they play their cards right.
