Key Takeaways:
– The influence of Frank Herbert’s Dune on Star Wars is significant.
– Despite its impact on the sci-fi genre, David Lynch was markedly disinterested in directing Return of the Jedi.
– Lynch’s direction of the first Dune adaptation in 1984 proved flawed, making it one of his career downturns.
Discovering the Impact of Dune on Star Wars
Frank Herbert’s Dune had a profound impact on the sci-fi genre following its release, ultimately helping to catapult George Lucas’ Star Wars into the widely-renowned galaxy far, far away that we know today. Star Wars, a melting pot of numerous influential works, draws notably from Dune’s desert wastelands, futuristic vehicles and protagonist lineages. Yet, when approached for the director’s chair on Return of the Jedi, noted filmmaker David Lynch declined.
Lynch’s Unexpected Turn from Star Wars
David Lynch, celebrated for his unique take on filmmaking, found his name in the short list to direct the third Star Wars film following the departure of Irvin Kershner. Despite not being enthralled by most sci-fi work, Lynch felt a distinct connection to Herbert’s Dune, deeming it replete with believable characters and depth.
While he recognized the influence Dune had on Star Wars, from the desert landscapes to the social complexities, he held no interest in leading the film project. Even though Lynch declined to direct Return of the Jedi, he did not miss the chance to express his admiration for George Lucas. He highlighted Lucas’s dedication to doing what he loves – a trait that he, Lynch, shared.
David Lynch’s Dune Experiment
Despite his declining the Star Wars project, Lynch soon found himself at the helm of the first Dune adaptation in 1984. This dive into big-budget sci-fi, however, did not pan out as hoped, turning out to be one of the biggest flops of his career. His three-hour cut was drastically reduced by Universal, and the filmmaker had no say in the final edit.
Lynch confessed that directing Dune was a step out of his comfort zone. He signed away his final cut privilege, in hindsight, a decision he believed led to his artistic sell-out. Considering a director’s cut for Dune now seems unlikely, especially given Lynch’s recent health issues.
The Aftermath of the Cinematic Journey
Lucas’ Return of the Jedi concluded the original Star Wars trilogy on a high note, basking in widespread acclaim and success. Contrastingly, Lynch’s Dune bombed at the box office, leaving the franchise untouched on the big screen until Denis Villeneuve’s recent reboot.
Return of the Jedi continues to be available for streaming on Disney Plus while the 1984 Dune adaptation is available for rent on Apple TV. Lynch’s cinematic journey from a pivotal refusal to a notable disappointment reveals a tale of risk and experimentation. This serves as a timely reminder to filmmakers about the enticing yet precarious world of cinematic adaptions of great works like Dune and Star Wars.
