Already part of the Mission: Impossible movie series and recently added to the ensemble for the new Men In Black, Rebecca Ferguson has another big film job in her sights. She's in talks to take a lead role in Denis Villeneuve's new adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune.
Herbert's novel is a far-future, far-flung epic in which humanity has journeyed between the stars, and the various worlds are ruled by competing feudal families. One such planet is the harsh desert sphere Arrakis, where the drug known as Melange (aka "Spice") is harvested. It offers heightened consciousness and an extended lifespan, but at the cost of crippling addiction and fatal withdrawal. It's also what helps navigate the interstellar byways. So naturally, competition between the families for control is fierce, and the Atreides are rocked by conspiracy and a plot by the opposing Harkonens. Paul Atreides himself, meanwhile, has a destiny, escaping an attempt on his life, holing up with the nomadic tribes of the planet and rising to become their ruler.
Timothée Chalamet is playing Paul, and assuming she signs a deal, Ferguson would he Lady Jessica, who escapes alongside him and helps shape his destiny. Villeneuve worked on the script, which has also seen contributions from Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts, while more recent Dune novelist Kevin J. Anderson is a creative consultant.
The director is in pre-production on the film, but there is no confirmed date for it to start shooting, nor have backers Legendary announced a release date. Ferguson will also be seen in The Kid Who Would Be King and is part of the cast for Stephen King adaptation Doctor Sleep.
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