Stellan Skarsgård has closed a deal to star in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” Legendary’s planned reboot of the 1984 sci-fi epic, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Skarsgård joins the previously announced cast of Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Dave Bautista.
Eric Roth, Jon Spaihts and Villeneuve wrote the screenplay based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel. Legendary is planning for “Dune” to be a multi-film series.
Set in the distant future, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, whose family accepts control of the desert planet Arrakis. The planet is the only source of the coveted spice melange, which means control of Arrakis is highly contested among the noble families. After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion and man’s relationship to nature, as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s control of Arrakis.
Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, and Villeneuve are producing. Thomas Tull will executive produce along with Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert for the Frank Herbert estate and Kevin J. Anderson will serve as a creative consultant.
Skarsgård’s credits include “The Avengers,” Thor,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” He can be next seen in HBO’s limited series “Chernobyl,” written and executive produced by Craig Mazin.
Skarsgård is represented by CAA and Curtis Brown Group.
Umberto Gonzalez contributed to this report.