Constantly garnering praises from audiences and critics, Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ got recently hailed by James Cameron.

Denis Villeneuve recently came up with the part two adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel by the same name, which starred Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya on the big screen. Bringing the franchise to the public eye, Dune: Part Two has garnered positive reviews overall, from fans and critics alike. And even James Cameron seemed to give his input on the film series.

Filmmaker James Cameron during an interview with Rolex
The creative mind behind Aliens, Titanic, and the Avatar franchise, James Cameron, recently addressed the box-office success of Dune: Part Two and spoke fondly of Denis Villeneuve and his sci-fi epic. Comparing the Dune films with David Lynch’s infamous 1984 adaptation, Cameron gave his verdict on why Villeneuve’s version is way better.

James Cameron Praises Dune Franchise While Criticizing The David Lynch Version

After the successful premiere of Dune in 2021, Denis Villeneuve recently came up with the sequel adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novels, starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and new faces like Austin Butler and even Anya Taylor-Joy. Taking fans back to the harsh sands of Arrakis to showcase the mighty journey of Paul Atreides, Villeneuve garnered immense praise for his magnum opus Dune: Part Two. 

Being the center of sci-fi praise, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise even caught the attention of acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron. With Dune 3 probably being in development, Cameron sat for an interview with Le Figaro to offer his input on the renowned franchise. Becoming the latest Hollywood figure to praise Denis Villeneuve’s films, the Avatar director compared the films with David Lynch‘s infamous version.

Timothée Chalamet in a still from Dune: Part Two (2024)

“David Lynch’s adaptation was disappointing. It was missing the power of Herbert’s novel. Villeneuve’s films are much more convincing. The characters are sketched out, they are very identifiable. It’s pure cinema. I speak regularly to Denis, filmmaker to filmmaker. We record our conversations, like Truffaut and Hitchcock.”

While openly praising Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, James Cameron blatantly criticized David Lynch’s movies. Claiming to be disappointed in Lynch’s 1984 adaptation, the Titanic helmer revealed having the opportunity to speak Villeneuve himself. But Cameron isn’t the first filmmaker to praise the Dune sequels.

Several Other Filmmakers Have Praised Denis Villeneuve’s Sci-fi Epic

From Steven Spielberg to Christopher Nolan, every other acclaimed filmmaker has offered their verdict on Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films. Holding the movies in their highest regard, the renowned directors of Hollywood have showered the franchise with further praise. No wonder Villeneuve’s Dune sequels received 83% and 93% RT rating, respectively.

With James Cameron being the latest director to offer his praise for Villeneuve’s sequel, the films’ impact is undeniable. Easily taking over the throne as the most celebrated franchise, Timothée Chalamet‘s Dune movies secured a special place in people’s hearts. Previously, Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro had praised Villeneuve via X.

Dune director Denis Villeneuve | image: Wikimedia Commons
Steven Spielberg called the sci-fi film “one of the most brilliant science-fiction films I’ve ever seen”, while Christopher Nolan compared the Dune sequel to his favorite Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back. Witnessing the popularity of the films among fans and even filmmakers, it seems Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise holds a secure future. Recently, Legendary Entertainment confirmed Dune 3, which is set to be adapted from Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah.

Dune: Part Two is set to premiere on Max sometime in the spring of 2024, while Dune is available on the streamer.