From IMAX to the Hungarian Desert: Inside Denis Villeneuve’s Vision for Dune’s Final Chapter

Denis Villeneuve’s Cinematic Journey

Denis Villeneuve returns to Hungary to complete his ambitious adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune trilogy. This production highlights Hungary's importance in the filmmaking process and showcases Villeneuve's creative vision for Dune: Part Three.

Filming in Hungary

Choosing Budapest as the filming location reflects the city's rising status as a filmmaking hub. Offering a 30% tax rebate and a highly skilled workforce, Hungary attracts many international productions. Villeneuve worked closely with Hungarian artisans to build detailed sets that capture the majesty of the Atreides empire.

Transition to the Desert

Following the Budapest shoot, the team moved to the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi, a setting that continues the visual tone from the first film. This stark environment emphasizes the trilogy’s core theme: the clash between civilization and nature.

Film Technology and Artistic Approach

Villeneuve insists on shooting with 35mm and 65mm film stock, alongside IMAX cameras, to create what he calls "an organic imperfection." This technique aims to evoke a tactile feeling, deepening the film’s exploration of beauty and decay.

“An organic imperfection”

This approach is central to Villeneuve’s goal of combining artistry with immersive technology in filmmaking.

Author’s Summary

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three blends Hungarian craftsmanship and desert landscapes, using film technology to deepen its epic themes of empire, nature, and imperfection.

Sohu — 2025-11-07