Original Dune Star Is Disheartened By Movie's Streaming Release Plans
Dune actor Kyle MacLachlan is disheartened by the movie's HBO Max streaming release plan. Based on the popular novel by Frank Herbert, the upcoming sci-fi film is the latest reimagining of the story following the 1984 movie. The Denis Villeneuve-directed Dune sees Timothée Chalamet leading an ensemble cast, including Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, and Zendaya. The highly-anticipated film is one of Villeneuve's big passion projects and could spawn a six-film franchise if successful.
Dune was initially set to hit theaters in late 2020, but Legendary and Warner Bros. were forced to delay the film another year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In December, Warner Bros. made waves across the film industry with the announcement that all 17 of their 2021 movies would release on HBO Max on the same day as their theatrical releases. The landmark move has already been applied to blockbuster films like Zack Snyder's Justice League. The high-profile releases were big hits for the streamers, with the arrival of Snyder's Justice League cut leading to a 64% increase in HBO Max downloads. However, Warner Bros' decision to send all of the films on their 2021 slate straight to streaming has raised concerns about how movie theaters will be affected long-term. Now an actor from the 1984 Dune is speaking out about the release strategy.
Kyle MacLachlan, who starred in David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune, says the reboot's streaming release disheartens him. Speaking with The Seattle Times, MacLachlan says that a movie like Dune is meant for a theater release.
"I think the simultaneous release is kind of the wave of the future. It’s disheartening though because a movie like that is meant to be seen on the large screen.”
In Lynch's 1984 adaptation, MacLachlan played Paul Atreides; the character Chalamet portrays in the new film. Warner Bros' release strategy sparked outrage from the industry, especially as those impacted by the move received no advance notice before the announcement. Legendary was reportedly taking legal action against the company for their release plan for Dune, as Legendary provided around 75 percent of Dune's $165 million budget. Dune is currently set for release in theaters and HBO Max on October 1, 2021.
MacLachlan's feelings about the new Dune's release are understandable, especially considering his connection to the film. It's nice that the actor supports the reboot and wants to have the theater experience while seeing it. As it will be a while before theaters are 100 percent safe to return to, it's looking like Dune, and its striking cinematography will mainly get its audience from the streaming release.
Source: The Seattle Times
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