Peter Berg Drops DUNE

News has emerged this week that “Hancock” director Peter Berg has pulled out of Paramount’s troubled remake of Dune.

After months of rumour and speculation, Berg finally came out back in August to talk about the project, at which point he was more than enthusiastic about the film’s prospects. Speaking to Sci-Fi Wire, Berg said:

“[The book] was much more muscular and adventurous, more violent and possibly even a little bit more fun,” Berg said. “I think those are all elements of my experience of the book that can be brought in without offending the die-hard fans of the Bene Gesserit and Kwisatz Haderach. There’s a more dynamic film to be made.”

Since that fateful interview, rumours have been abound that “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” star, Robert Pattinson, had been considered for the lead role of Paul Atreides, heir of the House Atreides and prophet to the Fremen.

Sadly we now know that while Berg had spoken to Pattinson about the part, both Berg and his production company Film 44 have dropped the film altogether. According to Pajiba.com, we also know several other things about the project:

1. The studio are looking for a director who can put the film together for under $175 million.
2. They’re looking for a director who has “a preexisting passion for the novel” and is enthusiastic about the project.
3. Paramount are currently considering flavour of the month, “District 9″ director Neill Blomkamp and “The Descent” helmer – Neil Marshall.

I’ll be surprised if this hurdle doesn’t delay production somewhat, having said that I do believe that Paramount could still get a film for a 2011 release if they get their shit together.

Tags: dune, peter berg, robert pattinson