Denis Villeneuve Interview | 'Dune: Part Two,' Completing The Trilogy, & More
Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve returns! Kicking off episode 300 of our little show, the director joins us to discuss the making of Dune: Part Two, starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Josh Brolin. Dune: Part Two was this show’s most-anticipated movie of 2024, so it’s an incredible honor to welcome a legend like Denis Villeneuve back on the show for such a special occasion.
Following our interview, we get into our reviews. Like many others, we came out of the theater absolutely glowing, and can’t wait for you all to experience it for yourselves.
Wrapping this week up, we couldn’t get through the 300th episode without a little celebration and look back at some of our most cherished moments. If you’ve been a part of this ride in any way, thank you! We’d love to hear from you down in the comments about when and how you found us. Here’s to 300 more?
00:00:00 - Intro
00:05:43 - Interview | Denis Villeneuve Talks ‘Dune: Part Two’
00:36:46 - ‘Dune: Part Two’ Review
01:01:48 - Celebrating 300 Episodes!
01:37:28 - Outro
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ReelBlend is CinemaBlend’s flagship podcast featuring CinemaBlend Managing Director Sean O’Connell, Fox 5 DC Entertainment Reporter Kevin McCarthy and Fox 32 Chicago Entertainment Reporter Jake Hamilton. Join them each week as they discuss the latest entertainment news, review new movies hitting the big screen and tell stories about working as entertainment journalists.
Thank you all for the wonderful support whether it’s been through the years or you’re just finding us now! Hope you enjoy these wonderful Dune opportunities we’ve been lucky enough to share with you this month.
You guys did a great job with this interview, Denis seemed pretty unsure and tired upfront, but the quality and depth of your questions really brought life into his eyes.
When Denis said he still doesn't consider himself a great friend of nolan because he knows so many people... I wanted someone to jump in and say "Denis you are so humble, which further proves you're a great filmmaker" 😂
Isn't it ironic that this is exactly what stilgar does when paul says that he is not the messiah? "the mahdi is so humble that the denies even being the mahdi"
@@alierk542 it's more than ironic - it's the joke.
That image of the black-suited Harkonnens floating up the cliffside against the orange sand is seared in my brain. Just such a brilliantly cinematic moment. And there’s so many more moments like that in this movie.
Yeah and the swell of Hans Zimmer's score as they ascend upwards. So amazing.
We’re lucky to be alive well an artist like Denis Villeneuve is making films
*while
Haven’t felt that level of immersiveness and in theater experience since Interstellar. Absolute Masterpiece.
Dune 2 crushes interstellar IMO.
@@assvibes3866two very different sci fi experiences. Interstellar is a stand alone, concept is unmatched. And this is a sequel. Trilogy likely even better also.
People like denis remind us all what art and beauty movies can be when you care and don’t just try to cash in
It would be a dream come true if you guys also get a chance to interview editor Joe Walker, writer Jon Spaiths, production designer Patrice Vermette, the sound design team of Mark Mangini, Theo Green and finally the Visual Effects supervisor Paul Lambert. I guarantee you guys that they would be amazing guests to discuss about the masterpiece that is Dune Part 2.
The sound designers Mark Mangini and Theo Green did not work on Part 2. Richard King is helming it this time.
Would be so Dope
It's such a treat to have a director who is not just a fan of the books but a talented auteur bring my favorite novel to life. So many big movies are soulless IP adaptations from essentially for-hire creators. I can't imagine these films turning out any better.
The Dune “If it happens” that I mention HAPPENED… and it’s Hans Zimmer!!! He will be on the show this month!
YAY! Considering he would rather play a live show than go to the Oscars, I'm sure he doesn't mind not getting nominated for Part 2. I saw a few people saying he should get nominated for best score, but I don't think he is eligible because it's not 80% new music? He had the same issue with The Dark Knight I think.
I think the issue was there were two composers on the dark knight.
@@colinwood8376 oh you're right, it had multiple composers and Zimmer accounted for "more that 60% but less than 70%" which I guess is the cutt off.
YES! The first one with him was amazing & introduced me to this podcast
Seeing this in 70mm IMAX today!! Love hearing you guys talk passionately with Denis. Such a remarkable and gentle man
how was the 70mm
Saw it in the cinema this evening, and was absolutely mesmerized. My only criticism when it ended was that it wasn't an hour longer! Wonderous film❤
That's why Part Two is so satisfying. Clocking in at almost 3 hours.
As a writer/director who admires Denis deeply, it's so encouraging and heartwarming to hear that even he is always focused on "where he failed". It gives hope to us little guys!
Having been a part of so many retired KZhead movie communities over the years (AMC MovieTalk > SchmoesKnow > Collider > Lights Camera Barstool), I feel like my algorithm was waiting for Dune Part 2’s release to hit me with this specific episode of the podcast, and I can’t be the only one. What a great jumping on point. I’ll be back every week.
Dune Pt. II is not a film, but an experience. I really liked the first film, but I absolutely loved the second! Denis is far too humble. He's achieved something many couldn't. I know he's been coy about making Messiah, but it's inevitable. And it will serve as a perfect conclusion to Paul's story and this trilogy. Also, well done on another awesome interview and video guys! Love the channel!
I just got home from my second viewing of Dune Part 2, now straight onto this. Congrats on 300 ReelBlend. So glad I stumbled upon you guys.
I love the fact that Denis leaned heavily into Herbert's vision of a tragic, Macbeth-like character arc. His journey isn't heroic, but rather a classic tale of being corrupted by a messiah complex. I'm so excited to see how he ends Paul's journey.
First time listening to this podcast, but I just wanted to call out the fact that you guys ask really interesting questions in this interview. Kudos for not just asking the same cookie cutter questions that everyone else asks.
Grats on 300 episodes! I've been around since the Hans Zimmer interview. Thank you for the great interviews!
I only started watching ReelBlend last summer but it quickly became a favorite podcast of mine and a staple of my week, very happy to be here to celebrate 300 episodes! 🎉🎉🎉
HAPPY 300th !!!!! Love you guys, another great episode in the books. Can’t wait for the next 300 !!
Congrats on 300, guys! You guys have gotten me through many long and late-night car rides through the desolate flatlands of the Mississippi Delta. My favorite podcast by far. Keep up the great work!
This is my favorite podcast about movies period. Thank you guys for putting the effort to make it happen. Here's to another 300 episodes! :)
Wow. Floored by that. Thank you, truly!
Saw it last night on a 70mm film print at Music Box in Chicago. Loved it!
Rebecca is joining the show??!! I love her in the Dune movies, the absolute standout performance for me! On to the next 300 and many more! Congratulations guys 🎉🎉
The first episode of the show I listened to was the 2023 Oscar Nominations Reaction and I have combed through the archives since and I just love the show so much. It feels like I'm talking to my buddies about movies every week. Congrats on 300! My favorite moment would have to be a tie between all the loving but passionate arguments over the tier lists, more of those, please!
The nostalgia from this intro. Man.
It has been a ride!
Huge congrats on 300 and the success of the pod. Also a huge thank you for offering a safe space for movie lovers
I've seen Dune Part 2 twice, first time was a back to back IMAX showing with the first movie. We only have 1.90 IMAX here in NL but I'm planning on going to Belgium to see it in full 1.43 sometime this month. I was blown away by the movie and seeing it again confirmed how much I loved it. It lived up to my massive hype for it and it may very well end up as my favorite movie of the year. Funnily enough I think I first found this podcast after your interview with Denis for the first movie. I've really enjoyed listening to the four of you talk movies, I've found out about a lot of stuff I otherwise wouldn't have watched. Hoping I can eventually find some friends who enjoy talking/watching movies as much as you guys do. Congrats on 300 main episodes and I'll definitely be watching the next few hundred!
HAPPY REELBLEND 300 EVERYONE!!! Saving this episode after I watch dune: part 2 tomorrow here in the Philippines! I’m so glad Villeneuve part 2 #happened. Love this show so much, thank you boys for everything! Dunkirk!
Congratulations 👏 on the big 300 boys! Best way to start the day. My weekly dose of Reelblend is complete.
Congrats on 300 episodes boys! Can't wait to watch Dune 2 in IMAX tomorrow.
Congratulations guys! I have to say I miss the premium episodes, but really happy you're still around for the main and hope your around for more milestones like this. Just an aside, one thing your premium show introduced me to is the Box Office game online. Today I got my highest score ever of 860 for the weekend of Feb. 22, 1991!
I watched part two yesterday and loved it. Dune is becoming like my Lord of the Rings, in terms of being a book I love adapted as faithfully and amazingly as possible, and I'm able to watch it on the big screen.
First episode I watched of reelblend was Nolan’s tenet interview and I believe the Snyder interview! I listened to Jake and Kevin’s interviews individually then when I saw Kevin and Jake in one zoom call I was like wait wtf? That’s too overpowered HAHAHA then gone on to absolutely love Sean and Gabe as well from this show and this podcast as a whole has been a joy added to my life and I appreciate you boys so much. We are so proud to be blenders. Happy reelblend 300 ❤ Dunkirk.
Guys, congrats on your 300th episode! And thank you for the show, I've been listening to you for a few years now and it's always a blast. I really enjoy all the themes and nerdy things you go into with directors and to have Denis for your 300th episode is just amazing. As for Dune Part Two - I've seen it twice and soon I'll see it for the third time in IMAX (probably won't be the last time). I really love it!
Amazing episode and what a great ride! Really appreciate you and this great show. Looking forward to seeing Dune Part Two! Congrats on 300 episodes! So much good stuff in those.. and more great stuff to come. I'd love to be able to order a T-shirt or that cool looking 300 episode poster. Great conversations over the years.. thanks guys!
Thank you for 300 great episodes. Love how different you all are and share your passion for movies.
Loved the interview! Like always, you guys asked the best questions. Denis is the real deal!
Here for all the brotherly love between you guys ❤ Congrats on 300 episodes. You're the best film podcast out here!
Huge congrats to all you guys at Reelblend. A true treat to catch your podcast as it gives so much insight yet feels very genuine at the same time. Nothing like hanging out with your buds and talking about the things we love. Grateful for yall!
Hello from Malaysia! This was on my recommendation coz been watching Denis interviews. Congrats on 300 episode! Gonna watch Dune for 2nd time on IMAX this week!
Don’t ever leave please! First episode I listened to was Julia Ducournau because no one else had an interview with her and I’d just finished Titane. I was so impressed by your amazing questions and I listened all the way through and then the next week, and then the next week and still listening! I do always take a shot of water now whenever we’re reminded that you guys started out as an awards podcast. 😂 I can’t thank you guys enough for sharing your friendship with us! Don’t stop please!!!! Also if you guys ever do merch I’d love to rep a Dad hat with the ReelBlend logo! Thank you so much for all you guys do! You’re the highlight of my week! PS at the theatre I work at, Collider hosts events every so often. And each time Perri comes to moderate we bond over how awesome you guys are!
Perri is the GREATEST, and we love her so much. Best in the game!
I’ve been listening to reelblend since summer or fall of ‘21. I wanted to listen to podcasts about movies and I found y’all either on a search or blog about the best movie podcasts to listen to. Absolutely love listening to y’all each week. I know y’all are regular dudes, but to be able to connect with y’all on social media is really cool, it’s like I’m talking with a celebrity. 😅 So even though I only “know” y’all in “ReelLife”, hopefully I’ll get to shake your hands in real life someday. Thanks for all you do!
Great interview. Happy 300 episode guys. Looking forward to the next 300+ episodes!!!
I'm with Jake. Part 2 is absolutely stunning and undoubtedly superior to the first part.
love how much energy you 4 always bring
happy 300 boys so excited for this episode can't thank you guys enough for everything you done for the blenders
Congrats on 300 episodes guys! to many more 🍻
Happy 300th episode! here's to a thousand more!
Congrats team!! I usually list to you on every week on Spotify (and the occasional KZhead). List from Aus 🇦🇺 and its the first thing I do when I get to my desk on a Monday morning. My first ep was 17/05/19 - John Wick Chapter 3! Listed ever week since. My fav eps are the Joaquin interviews as he’s my all time fav. Keep up the awesome work!
I saw glimpses of your Instagram live last night but at the time I was genuinely seated to watch a midnight screen of Dune Part 2. Yeah it’s pretty damn good isn’t it. A titanic feat of cinema with splendour direction from Villeneuve. I loved the deepening of the mythology and Chalamet and Butler were both magnetic in this. Really looking forward to listening to the episode. Around the time Tenet came out, I discovered this podcast and it is truly the best podcast regarding filmmaking and film criticism too. Hats off to you all for such a cracking run and congrats. A Denis Villeneuve tier list could spice up the show😂
Been a fan since your A Star Is Born review. Great memories listening to this group over the years.
Kudos Denis! The crowning achievement to your inspiring career
Congrats on the 300 guys! I think I started to listen to the show because of the Nolan interview for TENƎꓕ, it's been a while haha
Congrats fellas! Here’s to another 300! This is Sparta!
I completely agree with your comments about missing Jason Momoa and Oscar Isaac in Dune part two! I preferred the first Dune movie too, and I thought I was alone with that opinion until I saw your show. Have to see Dune part two again, and have more time to digest everything, absolutely agree. Thanks for sharing. Happy 300th!
Great questions, incredibly valueable interview
Congrats gentlemen! Love listening to all of you on Fridays. Would love to purchase a reel blend t-shirt or sweater with the 300 episode poster on it.
❤thank u for an entertaining show that I found for the first time! I watched the whole ep. U guys and Denaris & other doggie r so sweet!
You guys should do like a Q&A episode about all kinds of film related things!
Waiting for this video since I saw it on the 25th. LFGGGG BOYS
What a GREAT show. From one movie lover to you all...thank you. Loving the moments that we are sharing in ReelBlend Podcast with us...and thank you again for the Dune content (keep it coming). It's such a special moment in time. The most trusted people on film. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you!
such a good interview guys
Again, huge congrats 🎉 I saved this episode until I watched the movie and I just watched Dune part 2 in Imax. Holy moly it completely transported me to that world. It was deep, philosophical, beautiful.. Definitely going for a 2nd viewing
Reelblend forever. My fav podcast hands down. I can't wait for thr next 300 episodes and beyond! I need some new reelblend merchandise
Congrats guys! Been here since the beginning! You should definitely make some merch out of Donovans poster! ❤ Michael
In my opinion, there is no question that parts One and Two are one movie. It's most obvious when looking at Paul's character arc.
Im seeing it again in IMAX 70mm next week and I can’t wait! It will be glorious!
First moment I believe was an interview with Denis you all did for Dune 1. Dune coverage has been great.
Happy ❤300❤🎞👍 'Dune Part Two' is amazing by the way 😉
Monster interview. I’m new to the channel, congrats on 300 I guess I’m watching backwards now.
Tenet style!
Love the show. Took me a few episodes to get into you guys but now I'm a loyal listener. What I love most about the show is the dialogue about movies. Many KZhead movie people are one guy giving his opinion. This show centers around debate and back and forth between you guys. Great job. Also Dune 2 Is the superior film. No shade to Dune 1 but Sean and Kevin are totally wrong.
Great stuff guys. As a fellow movie lover I truly appreciate this type of content. In the spirit of this episode my personal ratings for Dune: I have to give Dune: Part Two the 5, I own Part One on 4k and it's amazing but Part One is a little less exciting if that makes any sense? It's a solid 4 though and both films are staggering cinematic achievements. Also, I haven't read the book but I ordered it and Hans Zimmer's Dune: Part One score. Can't wait for those.
YES PLEASE to having that poster, as long as I can get it in the uk
great stuff
54:02 but we get to explore the world so much deeper in Dune 2, with their customs, how they live, different people that are not main characters, this warm water scene with person like dancing and tackling baby warm was amazing. I loved all those shots, that showed how other people live in this world, cause often what is missed from the worldbuilding it the view of other peoples lives not only just main characters. This why i loved all those parallel stories cause we git to see the world of dune better, how harkonens live, the glimpse of emperors place etc
New reelblend merchandise please! I don't remember when I first started listening to reelblend, but I have been listening to it for atleast 2 yrs. And I have started to listen to all the episodes I have missed. So much fun listening to those old episodes. Now I listen to the new episodes every week
Shirt and/or poster would be amazing!
You guys need to be more careful with the spoilery questions. Even if they are for Messiah or the other books. Otherwise congrats on getting Denis again and on 300 episodes
My god was dune 2 good. I will definitely remember seeing it for the rest of my life. Can’t wait for one day to have all of them on 4K glory to watch at home
I came on board on the Hans Zimmer episode. Loved it ever since! Too many highlights to name a favorite. I am ALL in on a t-shirt. I still want one with ”The Chuckleheads” and a logo or something. I’d grab that in a nanosecond. Love you guys!
More Zimmer coming soon!
Denis looks exhuasted in this interview. After just seeing the movie I can absolutely see why lol what a mastermind.
I really felt Paul's pain when he didn't Wanna go south that shi was heartbreaking nobody understood they way he finally broke in and had that final vision masterpiece
I felt the same after the first viewing (like part 1 more), but that radically changed after the second and third. Even not having read the books yet, everything came together after the first time and I left the movie theater willing to follow Paul Atreides to the end of the Universe! I know that is not the point, but you get what I mean! 😅
I understand what you mean and agree. I actually ordered the book. Hopefully you check it out someday. I've seen Part One and Two so many times now it only made sense to me to give the book a chance.
I would love to own that "300" episodes poster. So freakin cool! Good job, Donavon.
I spent over 70 USD just for the ticket and taxi rides in New York City, in order to watch Dune Part 2 in 70mm, 1:43:1, IMAX. It was an incredible spectacle and experience.
I missed Oscar Isaac too! Glad you said it. He has such a magnetic presence.
I may or may not be crying rn 🥲 Denis is an inspiration to me and I’m so happy you guys got him again
amazing theatrical experience.
This helped me during covid
The best director of our time (yes, Chris Nolas has something to say about that)
I'm here for merch! The merch I want to wear, selfishly, is a tee shirt of the LEGO minifigures I made of the entire team. :)
Denis would be mistaken for a newbie if someone who didn't get to see his movies, is watching him praising chris nolan. Such an artist bringing any half remembered dream into life, is praising his friend is a lesson to learn.
the first episode I watched was when you guys Coen brothers blend and my favorite moment would have to be the rise of Skywalker debate it was so funny
I'm part two all the way. I will mention that I haven't seen the first one in theaters. Still, it just felt good to have the world building done and just jump in right away with part two
I can't remember the first episode I listened to, but it was during the facebook live days.
An OG!
Probably for best you don’t remember that one then 😂🍻
we love the inside baseball
In fact, Chalamet nailed the parts where he was given a proper material. Ending was brilliant. The idea of the book was delivered in a simplistic and clear way. However, the actions and visual effects overpowered the character arcs, which I wish was not a case. Overall, solid movie!!!!!
I would 100% wear Donovan’s poster as a tshirt
Dune Messiah, best book of the series, for me. :)