Ridley Scott's Unmade Dune: A 40th Anniversary Revelation
This week marks four decades since David Lynch's Dune premiered, a box office flop that's since cultivated a devoted cult following. Its stark contrast to Denis Villeneuve's recent adaptation reignites interest in the project's tumultuous history, particularly Ridley Scott's abandoned version. This article unveils details of Scott's Dune, thanks to the discovery of a 133-page draft from October 1980, penned by Rudy Wurlitzer, within the Coleman Luck archives at Wheaton College.
Scott, fresh off Alien's success, inherited Frank Herbert's sprawling, un-cinematic screenplay. He selected a few scenes but commissioned Wurlitzer for a complete rewrite. The script, intended as part one of two, reveals a significantly different interpretation of Herbert's masterpiece.
Wurlitzer's script, described by Scott as "pretty fucking good," offers a darker, more violent, and politically charged vision. Its failure stemmed from various factors: the emotional toll of Scott's brother's death, location disputes, budget overruns, and the allure of Blade Runner. Crucially, Universal executive Thom Mount cited a lack of unanimous enthusiasm for Wurlitzer's adaptation.
A Reimagined Paul Atreides
Wurlitzer's Dune opens with a dream sequence depicting apocalyptic armies, foreshadowing Paul's destiny. The script's visual descriptions are strikingly cinematic, showcasing Scott's signature stylistic density. Paul, a 7-year-old with long blonde hair, is far from Timothée Chalamet's portrayal. His trials, including a sword retrieval and near-fatal encounter with Duncan Idaho, highlight a "savage innocence."
Stephen Scarlata, producer of Jodorowsky's Dune, notes Wurlitzer's Paul is more assertive, even showcasing a flash-forward to his 21-year-old self, a master swordsman surpassing Duncan. However, Scarlata prefers Lynch's portrayal, highlighting the tension created by Paul's vulnerability.
A Shifting Power Dynamic
The script introduces a crucial twist: the Emperor's death, not present in the novel, serves as the catalyst for the events. The Emperor's funeral, a mystical spectacle, is followed by the Baron Harkonnen's attempt to negotiate spice production with Duke Leto, which is rejected. A key line, remarkably similar to a famous line from Lynch's film, highlights the spice's power: "Who controls Dune controls the Spice, and who controls the Spice controls the Universe."
The Guild Navigator, a spice-mutated being, is depicted as a humanoid figure floating in a transparent container, foreshadowing Scott's later work, Prometheus. The Atreides' arrival on Arrakis showcases a medieval aesthetic, with Bosch-like dew collectors and a stark depiction of class disparity.
A new action sequence involves a bar fight in Arakeen, where Paul and Duncan encounter Stilgar. The scene, described as reminiscent of 1980s action films, is criticized for portraying Paul as too invincible too early.
Desert Escape and Violent Confrontations
Dr. Yueh's betrayal leads to a violent attack on the Atreides castle. The Hunter-Seeker, a bat-like creature, replaces the book's mechanical version, echoing Jodorowsky's unmade Dune. The ensuing battle is brutal, with graphic depictions of violence. Yueh's motivations are altered, focusing on self-preservation rather than noble intentions. Paul and Jessica's escape into the desert is equally intense, culminating in a crash landing and a perilous journey to find the Fremen.
The script notably omits the incestuous relationship between Paul and Jessica, a significant deviation from previous versions. While the explicit scene is absent, the script still contains a suggestive moment between mother and son.
The Fremen encounter, including the duel with Jamis, is vividly described. The script emphasizes the ecological aspects of Arrakis, highlighting the devastation caused by spice harvesting. The Water of Life ceremony, a mystical and erotic ritual, concludes the draft.
A Bold but Flawed Vision
Wurlitzer's script, while bold and visually striking, deviates significantly from Herbert's source material. Paul is portrayed as a more assertive, even ruthless, leader, potentially alienating fans. The script's grimdark tone and adult themes likely contributed to its rejection. However, it offers a unique perspective on Dune's ecological and political themes, providing a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. The script's legacy includes H.R. Giger's striking sandworm design and influences on later works, including Scott's Gladiator II. Ultimately, Scott's abandoned Dune remains a compelling "what if" scenario in cinematic history.
