Dune: What Sandworms Look Like In Every Adaptation

Dune’s sandworms are one of the most mysterious and dangerous elements of the world, and each screen adaptation has depicted them differently.

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Here is what the sandworms look like in every screen adaptation of Dune. The story, which follows Paul Atreides as he uncovers the mysteries of Arrakis and fights his family’s sworn enemies, the Harkonnens, is based on the influential novel of the same name written by Frank Herbert and published in 1965. It was first adapted for the screen in a 1984 film directed by David Lynch that received largely negative reviews. The next adaptation came in 2000 with a three-part limited series, Frank Herbert’s Dune, directed by John Harrison. This version found a much warmer reception and remains one of the most successful miniseries in the history of the then-Sci-Fi Channel (now SyFy). As the newest attempt to adapt the story, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune releases in October 2021 and has received strong reviews based on early screenings.

The desert planet of Arrakis, known as Dune, is full of dangers that test Paul in his truly epic coming-of-age tale. The sandworms are the most dangerous creatures on Arrakis since their enormous size and adept senses make them natural predators of the desert. They make the harvesting of the all-important melange, colloquially known as spice, incredibly deadly. Spice can only be found on Dune, and the sandworms’ senses allow them to detect vibrations in the sand and electronic shields of the harvesters. The Fremen, natives of Arrakis, have mastered the perilous task of riding the sandworms as a means of efficient transportation into the deepest reaches of the planet’s desert, but sandworms remain feared and terrifying predators.

Each screen version features a variation of the sandworms with varying degrees of quality. Special effects capabilities at the time of each release meant that the different adaptations of the original Dune book had to employ distinct methods to create the monstrous creatures. Some certainly look better than others, but it’s clear that every version made the best with what resources they had available at the time.

Dune (1984)

The sandworms of 1984’s Dune were a difficult feat to pull off. With special effects technology being limited in regard to this particular creature, the project often relied on obscuring the details of the worm with flying dust or the cover of darkness. A flash of inexplicable orange lightning also regularly accompanied the worms’ appearance and helped distract viewers from examining it too closely. From a distance, these sandworms actually hold up fairly well, especially considering the lack of modern special effects techniques, but in the scenes where characters get close or ride the worms, the illusion is largely shattered.

Dune (2000 Miniseries)

The sandworms in the Sci-Fi Channel series feature a number of noticeable differences from the 1984 Dune movie. With computer-animated special effects and CGI coming a long way in the 24-year gap between them, the series was able to add a great deal of texture to the creatures. Rather than subtle rings, these sandworms have rough scales which make for a much more compelling and realistic visual when Paul and the Fremen ride them.

Dune (2021)

The 2021 Dune film’s sandworms are by far the most detailed. Featuring meticulously intricate arrays of teeth and textured, leathery skin, the benefits of modern special effects technology quickly become apparent. It’s likely that the movement, visual nuance, and overall believability of these sandworms will prove easily superior to any of the previous versions.

The quality of the sandworms has clearly improved between Lynch’s culty 1984 film and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune. Better technology and by far the biggest budget of any Dune adaptation have all contributed to the newest version’s superior visuals, and hopefully, it won’t end with the worms. Most viewers would agree that the overall quality of the adaptations has trended upward since 1984, so audiences can hope that the superb sandworms of 2021’s Dune are a good omen for a fantastic film that’s faithful to the books.

Link Source : https://screenrant.com/dune-sandworms-look-like-movies/