Denis Villeneuve is also working on a Dune TV show that focuses on the Bene Gesserit

Denis Villeneuve (Sicario, Arrivial, Blade Runner 2049) is working on a new adaptation of Dune. Filming has now begun on the film and it will take place in Budapest and Jordan.

He will also be working on a TV show as THR report that WarnerMedia’s forthcoming streaming service has given a straight-to-series order for Dune: The Sisterhood. Villeneuve will direct the pilot. Jon Spaihts will write the script for the TV series.

Dune: The Sisterhood explores the future through the eyes of a mysterious order of women: the Bene Gesserit. Given abilities by their mastery of the body and the mind, the Bene Gesserit expertly weave through the feudal politics and intrigue of The Imperium, pursuing plans of their own that will ultimately lead them to the enigmatic planet Arrakis — known to its inhabitants as Dune.

“The Bene Gesserit have always been fascinating to me. Focusing a series around that powerful order of women seemed not only relevant and inspiring but a dynamic setting for the television series,” Villeneuve said.

The TV series and feature film are just the beginning for Legendary’s larger plan for Dune, which also includes video games, digital content packages and comic book series. Legendary acquired film and TV rights to the Frank Herbert novels Dune in 2016 and they plan on making multiple films.

The Dune film stars Timothee Chalamet, Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac and David Dastmalchian. It is due out on 20th November 2020.

WarnerMedia’s streaming service is due to launch in beta in late 2019. The platform will feature a roster of scripted originals as well as content from WarnerMedia-owned platforms including HBO, TBS, TNT, CNN and more. Dune is the third series in the works for the SVOD service, joining Paul Feig’s comedic anthology Love Live, starring Anna Kendrick, and the Ansel Egort-led drama Tokyo Vice. A Gremlins animated TV series is also in the works.