By Those holding out hope for Paramount’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel Dune should probably put it out of their minds. Richard P. Rubenstein, one of the book’s right holders, have announced that Paramount’s option has expired without the two parties coming to an agreement over how to proceed with the production. Over four years have passed, with various directors coming and going, but it seems nothing got worked out.
After David Lynch’s 1984 film bombed horribly, an adaptation helmed by a director like Pierre Morel and penned by Chris Palmer might have turned out well, especially considering that Rubenstein was interested in their proposal. Sadly, Paramount just couldn’t justify dishing out $100 million for that version, just like World War Z is currently out of their price range.
Still, Rubenstein supposedly has some plan for a film version of Dune, saying, “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.” I guess the problem is finding that interesting talent that is also carrying wads of cash.
[via First Showing]