Dune director Denis Villeneuve criticized the simultaneous release of his latest sci-fi film on HBO Max and in theaters, and stated that the film was not made for television.
Total FilmSpeaking to , Villeneuve stood by his previous comments on films released on the same day as digital. He said he understands that the film industry is under incredible pressure due to COVID-19, but he is not happy that Dune will be released in theaters at the same time as HBO Max.
Villeneuve admitted that the pandemic is the enemy of cinema, while saying he is “still dissatisfied with the way it’s been done” about Warner Bros.’s distribution plans:
“Watching Dune on TV will be like driving a speedboat in your bathtub. It’s ridiculous to me. The movie was made for the experience of watching it on the big screen.”
Warner Bros. announced its industry-shattering distribution plan last year. This plan included showing all the movies of 2021 on HBO Max simultaneously with the theaters. Villeneuve also objected to the decision at the time, declaring that “film is one of the last artistic, collective experiences we share as humanity.”
Villeneuve also shared his concerns that the release of the film on the platform could adversely affect its box office and said that this way of showing would increase piracy:
“Everyone at Warner Bros. and Legendary is 100% behind the project. They think that for Dune 2 not to be made, it had to be very bad at the box office because they love the movie. They’re proud of the movie and want it done. In short, I’m pretty optimistic.”
Dune, Adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel It’s the first movie and it’s scheduled to be two movies. Villeneuve most recently stated that Zendaya’s character will be the main character in Dune 2.
By Adele Ankers.
