Full Breakdown
Spielberg's Admiration for the Dune Franchise and Future Projects
4/6/2026, 11:57:23 AM
Spielberg's Enthusiasm for Dune
In a recent interview with *Empire*, acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg expressed his admiration for Denis Villeneuve's *Dune* films, particularly praising *Dune: Part Two*, which premiered in 2024. Spielberg stated, "Recently, I’ve loved the Dune movies. They are among my favourite science-fiction movies, not just recently, but of all time. Especially the second film. I think [Part Two] is the best movie Denis has ever made." He conveyed his eagerness for the upcoming *Dune: Part Three*, scheduled for release on December 18, 2025, indicating that he anticipates viewing it ahead of its public debut.
Background on the Dune Franchise
The *Dune* franchise, initiated by Denis Villeneuve in 2021, adapts Frank Herbert's seminal science fiction novel. The first installment garnered significant acclaim, winning six Oscars and achieving a Certified Fresh rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 90% audience score. The sequel, *Dune: Part Two*, surpassed its predecessor's success with a 92% critic score and a 95% audience rating, contributing to a combined box office gross of $1.12 billion for the series.
Spielberg's Broader Cinematic Aspirations
In addition to his admiration for *Dune*, Spielberg revealed his interest in directing a horror film, inspired by Zach Cregger's *Weapons*, which he described as so compelling that it has diminished his desire to create a horror film of his own. He remarked, "When I see a great horror film like *Weapons*, I don’t have an itch I need to scratch." Spielberg also mentioned a long-held aspiration to direct a Western, emphasizing a desire to avoid genre clichés.
Official Statements & Responses
Spielberg's comments highlight his deep appreciation for the *Dune* series, likening Villeneuve's tribute to Herbert's work to Guillermo del Toro's homage to Mary Shelley in *Frankenstein*. He stated, "I love the [Dune] books, and I just think his tribute to the books is like Guillermo [del Toro]’s tribute to Mary Shelley."
Criticism & Opposition
While Spielberg's praise for *Dune* has been widely acknowledged, some critics argue that the films, despite their commercial success, may not resonate with all audiences due to their complex narrative structure and pacing. However, no specific dissenting voices were noted in the sources regarding Spielberg's comments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Recently, I’ve loved the Dune movies. They are among my favourite science-fiction movies, not just recently, but of all time. Especially the second film. I think [Part Two] is the best movie Denis has ever made. I cannot wait to see the third one. I’m sure he’ll show it to me early. I’m such a fan of his.” — Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker
- “I think [Part Two] is the best movie Denis has ever made.” — Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker
- “When I see a great horror film like Weapons, I don’t have an itch I need to scratch.” — Steven Spielberg, Filmmaker
What's Next
Spielberg's *Disclosure Day* is set to premiere in theaters on June 12, 2024, while anticipation builds for *Dune: Part Three*, which will follow on December 18, 2025. Both films are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing evolution of the science fiction genre in cinema.
