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 process highlights Hungary’s vital role in the filmmaking and reflects Villeneuve's creative vision for Dune: Part Three.

The Importance of Hungary in Production

Choosing Budapest as the filming location goes beyond logistics. Hungary offers a 30% tax rebate and a skilled workforce, making it a preferred destination for international filmmakers. Villeneuve’s collaboration with Hungarian artisans has crafted detailed sets that capture the grandeur of the Atreides empire.

Transition to Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert

After finishing in Budapest, the production moved to the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi. This shift maintains continuity with the first film and emphasizes a key trilogy theme: the conflict between civilization and nature.

Technical Choices and Artistic Intent

Villeneuve employs 35mm and 65mm film stock alongside IMAX cameras to create what he calls “an organic imperfection.” This method aims to capture a tactile quality that mirrors the film’s themes of beauty and decay.

“An organic imperfection”

Author’s summary: Denis Villeneuve combines Hungarian craftsmanship, desert landscapes, and traditional film techniques to realize a deeply textured and thematic finale for the Dune trilogy.

Sohu — 2025-11-07