Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg, known for his contributions to the sci-fi genre, recently lauded Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2, dubbing it “one of the most brilliant science-fiction films” he’s encountered.
During a Q&A session on The Director’s Cut Podcast at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, Spielberg, alongside Villeneuve, expressed his admiration for the sequel, stating,
“It’s an honor for me to sit here and talk to you,” while lauding it as one of the finest sci-fi offerings to date.
Continuing the narrative from Dune: Part One, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides as he seeks vengeance against those who orchestrated his family’s downfall while grappling with visions of a grim future only he can avert.
The film boasts a stellar cast including Timothée Chalamet, Austin Butler, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh.
It’s unsurprising that Villeneuve appeared taken aback by the praise, especially coming from a director renowned for iconic sci-fi classics like E.T: Extra Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
However, Spielberg’s admiration didn’t end there. He elevated Villeneuve to an elite tier, stating,
“Let me start by saying there are filmmakers who are the builders of worlds. It’s not a long list and we know who a lot of them are,” before citing luminaries such as Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas, Tim Burton, and James Cameron, and affirming, “The list goes on, and I deeply, fervently believe that you are one of its newest members.”
Prior to Spielberg’s accolades, esteemed director Christopher Nolan had already showered praise on Villeneuve’s latest endeavor.
Just before the film’s release, Nolan likened it to the iconic Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
In an exclusive interview, Villeneuve graciously responded to Nolan’s comparison, stating,
“It’s a comparison that I would have never dared to do myself. I think it’s a beautiful compliment…coming from Chris [Nolan], an incredible compliment.”
