Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” is an epic science fiction film that tells the story of Paul Atreides and his family as they become part of an intergalactic war over the planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. The film is based on Frank Herbert’s famous 1965 novel, Dune. The movie is a mix of feudal politics, space adventure, and deep themes like power, resources, and destiny. The movie features stars like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, and Josh Brolin in important roles.
The environments and landscapes play a major role in “Dune”. Just like the novel, the movie shows how the surroundings of different planets influence the culture and future of various groups. The main focus is on Arrakis, a dry desert land that is the only source of a very valuable substance called “the spice” or melange. Many fans are curious about where this movie was filmed and how the filmmakers brought Herbert’s detailed universe to life. Here is everything you need to know about the filming locations of “Dune”.
Where was “Dune: Part One” Filmed?
Although “Dune” is set in a futuristic outer space, it was filmed in real-life locales on Earth. The film was shot in numerous countries across the globe, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Hungary, Norway, Austria, and Slovakia. Denis Villeneuve used these different places to provide visual authenticity to the film. Filming began in March 2019 and was completed in July 2019, with further scenes shot in August 2020. Let’s take a closer look at the actual filming locations!
Abu Dhabi, UAE
One of the main filming locations for Dune was Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Liwa Oasis is located on the northern edge of the Rub’ Al Khali desert, also known as the Empty Quarter. It is about 100 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi city. This location was used to represent the planet Arrakis because it is a real desert, which perfectly matches the desert planet in the movie.
Arrakis is recognized for its harsh desert landscape, with little water and vegetation but plenty of melange. Liwa Oasis is well-known for its enormous sand dunes and expansive desert landscapes. The Dune crew spent 11 days filming in the Liwa Oasis during the warmest months of the year. Denis Villeneuve stated, “The scale of the dunes and the desert was mesmerizing.” The conditions there, with a peculiar haze in the air, were great for the film’s image.” By filming in Liwa Oasis, Villeneuve avoided using green screens and focused on real locations to create a realistic feel for the planet Arrakis and its people, the Fremen.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum in Jordan served as another key filming location. Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected desert valley in southern Jordan. It was also used to symbolize the planet Arrakis. Villeneuve chose Wadi Rum because of its distinctive rock formations, which served well as the houses of the Fremen in the film. To ensure visual coherence, the production team acquired sand from Wadi Rum to match the color of the sand in Liwa Oasis.
The actors and crew found filming in Wadi Rum to be a moving experience. According to Production Designer Patrice Vermette, “the enormity of Wadi Rum is humbling. It was a spiritually beautiful experience just to be present.” Actor Jason Momoa said, “I’ve never seen a desert like that.” “I am a rock climber, but I’ve never seen rocks like that.”
Budapest, Hungary
Dune was also filmed in Budapest, Hungary. Many of the interior scenes were shot at Origo Studios, one of the largest film studios in Europe, located in Budapest. Even when many countries were shutting down due to the pandemic, the Hungarian government allowed the Dune crew to continue filming with special entry permits.
The world-class facilities and skilled professionals at Origo Studios attracted the Dune production team. The large sets inside the studio helped the actors fully immerse themselves in the world of Dune. Other movies like Inferno and Blade Runner 2049 were also filmed at Origo Studios.
Stadlandet, Norway
The movie was also shot in Stadlandet, a peninsula in Norway. Stadlandet served as the backdrop for the planet Caladan, the ancestral home of House Atreides. Caladan is an ocean world with a lush landscape, mountains, and rivers. Stadlandet, known for its deep blue waters, white sandy beaches, and green hills, was the perfect choice for portraying Caladan in the movie.
Austria
Some parts of Dune were filmed in Austria, a country known for its mountains, rivers, and rich cultural history. Austria has been the filming location for movies like The Sound of Music and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. The beautiful landscapes and ancient architecture made Austria a great location for filming Dune.
Slovakia
The production team also filmed in Slovakia, a small country in Central Europe known for its mountains, pastures, and castles. Slovakia has been used as a filming location for movies like Behind Enemy Lines and The Peacemaker. The scenic beauty and historical sites of Slovakia added to the epic feel of Dune.
Dune is a film of epic proportions, brought to life through a combination of stunning locations across multiple countries. The diverse landscapes of Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Hungary, Norway, Austria, and Slovakia helped create the rich, immersive world of Dune. With its talented cast, incredible filming locations, and Denis Villeneuve’s artistic vision, Dune is a visual masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Dune
Q: Where was Dune filmed?
A: Dune was filmed in multiple locations across several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Hungary, Norway, Austria, and Slovakia. Key scenes were shot in the Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi, Wadi Rum in Jordan, and Origo Studios in Budapest, Hungary.
Q: When was Dune filmed?
A: The primary filming for Dune began in March 2019 and concluded in late July 2019. Additional scenes were filmed in August 2020.
Q: When was Dune released?
A: Dune was released on October 22, 2021.
Q: Which locations were used to represent the planet Arrakis in Dune?
A: The desert planet Arrakis was primarily filmed in the Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Wadi Rum in Jordan.
Q: What studio was used for interior scenes in Dune?
A: The interior scenes of Dune were filmed at Origo Studios in Budapest, Hungary, one of the largest film studios in Europe.
