Dune uses genuine locales from all over the world to bring the planets of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic to life. The harsh climate of Arakkis was shown by gorgeous Scandinavian cliffs, while the forest planet of Caladan was depicted by genuine deserts that are almost as unpleasant. These real-life outer space planets, which can be found right here on Earth, provided the perfect setting for Denis Villeneuve’s beautiful film.
In the year 10191, the Dune series takes place over an interplanetary empire. It was critical to capture the scope of Dune’s universe by using breathtaking real-world places. Although these sites are on Earth, their harsh surroundings lend themselves to creating innovative other worlds, many of which have appeared in other notable science-fiction franchises. While many movies currently use CGI for full backdrops, Dune’s utilisation of real-world settings lends the film a sense of scale and verisimilitude that has received critical acclaim.
Liwa Oasis, Abu Dhabi
The Liwa Oasis was one of the main filming locations for Dune, as the region’s hot deserts were ideal for the planet of Arrakis, where the majority of the action takes place. The real-life desert is believed to be nearly as dangerous as the one depicted on screen, with filming having to be halted on several occasions due to temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The Liwa Oasis is a beautiful oasis in the United Arab Emirates that has long been connected with Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s ruling elites.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
While the Liwa Oasis was used for most of the planet Arrakis’ huge, sweeping desert sceneries, portions were also shot in Jordan’s Wadi Rum, which can be recognised by its unique red rock formations. The Atreides’ headquarters of operations and the rocky roads where Paul engages in ritual battle with Jamis were most likely filmed here. The area’s real-life past ties in perfectly with Dune’s themes of colonialism and resource exploitation, with much of Fremen society being based on Arabic culture.
The term “Wadi” refers to a dry riverbed or valley. Wadi Rum, popularly known as the Valley of the Moon, is Jordan’s largest such area.
Stadlandet, Norway
The film’s first act takes place on Caladan, a planet in Dune’s huge Imperium. The homeworld of House Atreides, led by Oscar Isaac’s Duke Leto Atreides, is this woodland planet. The Atreides are out of their element on their new world, as the verdant forests of Caladan contrast sharply with the red deserts of Arrakis.
The Caladan sequences, which were shot in Standladnet, Norway, were significant in conveying the disparity between the film’s various environments, and thus its various rulers. Standlandet is a 1600-foot-high peninsula in the Norwegian province of Vestland. Locals refer to the area as Stad, and it is noted for its picturesque views.
Origo Film Studios, Hungary
The majority of Dune’s studio filming took place at Origo Film Studios in Hungary. Political intrigue abounds in Dune’s intricate world, as imperial Houses compete for control of the all-important spice. These plots are shown in a variety of interior scenes, ranging from the House Atreides spaceship to House Harkonnen’s subterranean stronghold. Many of these internal scenes were most likely shot at Origo, where there was no need for a real-world backdrop. Origo Film Studios, based in Budapest, Hungary, is a fully-equipped film production studio.
While Villeneuve’s Dune adaptation has gotten positive reviews so far, the film only adapts half of Frank Herbert’s novel, and a sequel has yet to be announced. There’s enough material to adapt if the series continues, including multiple sequels written by Herbert. Future films could transport spectators to places as diverse as the Harkonnens’ gloomy homeworld and the galactic empire’s heart. The Dune franchise has the potential to generate a lot more memorable places in the future.
