A Surprising Shift Behind 'Dune 3' — and Why Villeneuve’s Latest Move Really Excites Me
Quietly done, but hard to ignore.
Following the production of Dune: Part Three has been a steady source of intrigue for me — every new update adds to the anticipation. While casting news and story hints keep interest alive, one recent behind-the-scenes detail genuinely caught my attention.
Denis Villeneuve is shooting the third Dune film on 65mm film, including IMAX 15-perf. This is a clear break from the previous two instalments, which were filmed digitally. And while I admired the precision and scope of those films, there’s something about the texture of real film that resonates more deeply.
The change was quietly confirmed by Kodak, likely influenced by Linus Sandgren — the Oscar-winning cinematographer replacing Greig Fraser. A longtime advocate for shooting on film, Sandgren once called it a medium with "magic and emotion" that digital can’t match. And honestly, it’s hard to disagree.
As a final chapter, it’s a bold and thoughtful move — the kind of tonal shift that can give a trilogy’s ending real weight. By choosing film over digital, Villeneuve joins directors like Nolan, Gerwig, and Tarantino in embracing the richness of large-format celluloid — not out of nostalgia, but with clear artistic intent.
Filming began in Budapest in July 2025, and the release is set for 18 December 2026. Now, alongside all the story-driven expectations, there’s something else I’m excited for.
