Denis Villeneuve has been increasingly turning to IMAX cameras for his movies, and IMAX CEO now confirms that Dune: Part 3 will be filmed entirely with IMAX cameras.
The third and final installment in Denis Villeneuve's Dune trilogy is shaping up to be another epic. However, not much has been revealed so far about Dune: Part 3, which is currently scheduled to premiere in late 2026.
Speaking to CNBC, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond let it slip that Dune: Part 3 will be shot using IMAX cameras.
- "He's making the next Dune with IMAX cameras," Gelfond said, referring to Villeneuve. "He's filming the whole thing."
The whole thing?
The confirmation is not a huge surprise, given that Denis Villeneuve has steadily embraced IMAX over the years. Dune: Part One was partially shot on IMAX-certified cameras, while Dune: Part Two was fully shot using them, though it still switched between the 1.90:1 and 1.43:1 aspect ratios in IMAX theaters – with around 40 minutes in 1.43:1.
Some have interpreted Gelfond's comments to mean that Dune: Part 3 will be shot entirely on analog IMAX film cameras, which would make it only the second movie ever to do so after Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. However, there is currently no indication that this is the case.
As noted, Villeneuve has so far used IMAX-certified digital cameras, typically Arri Alexa, rather than the bulky analog IMAX film cameras preferred by Nolan. The 1.43:1 scenes in Dune are typically created in post-production by cropping.
Also read: Nolan's 'The Odyssey' will be first-ever blockbuster shot 100% on IMAX film
Until Villeneuve himself comments, we will assume that Dune: Part 3 will once again use IMAX-certified digital cameras, and we hope that the home release will also be presented in expanded format.
Around 40 minutes of Dune: Part 2 were presented in 1.43:1
Next James Bond, Apple movies
With Denis Villeneuve confirmed to direct the next James Bond movie, CNBC asked the IMAX CEO whether an IMAX deal is already in place.
Gelfond said they have not yet discussed specifics but added that he is "praying" it happens.
No Time to Die was the first and so far only Bond film to be partially shot on IMAX film cameras, with about 40 minutes of footage captured natively. Skyfall and Spectre were presented in IMAX theaters but were not shot in IMAX.
Finally, Gelfond commented on Apple's theatrical ambitions, saying he spoke with Apple at the premiere of F1: The Movie. According to him, Apple told him they "are all-in."
- Source: CNBC
