Steven Spielberg Hails Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ as All-Time Sci-Fi Peak

When a filmmaker who helped define the modern blockbuster speaks on the state of science fiction, the industry listens. Steven Spielberg, the visionary behind Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Jaws, has officially entered the fandom for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise, calling the films some of the best in the genre’s history.

In a major cover interview with Empire magazine, Spielberg praised Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sprawling epic, noting that the series stands out not just among recent releases, but as a high-water mark for science fiction cinema of all time.

“The Best Movie Denis Has Ever Made”

While Spielberg expressed overall love for the series, he singled out the second installment for particular praise. According to Variety, the legendary director believes Dune: Part Two is the finest work of Villeneuve’s career.

“Recently, I’ve loved the ‘Dune’ movies. They are among my favorite science-fiction movies, not just recently, but of all time. Especially the second film,” Spielberg stated. “I think [Part Two] is the best movie Denis has ever made.”

Anticipation for ‘Dune: Part Three’

The praise comes at a pivotal time for the franchise. Villeneuve is currently preparing for the release of Dune: Part Three, which is based on Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah. The film is slated for release this December and Spielberg has already expressed his eagerness to see it, suggesting that Villeneuve might even grant him an early screening.

This continuation of the saga is highly anticipated by both critics and audiences, and having the endorsement of a peer like Spielberg adds significant weight to the expectations surrounding the final chapter of this trilogy.

A Masterclass in Literary Adaptation

Beyond the visual spectacle, Spielberg highlighted Villeneuve’s respect for the original source material. He compared the director’s approach to that of another modern master, Guillermo del Toro, specifically citing del Toro’s tribute to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Spielberg noted that just as del Toro honored Shelley, Villeneuve has successfully honored Frank Herbert, creating a cinematic tribute that resonates with the spirit of the books.

Spielberg’s Own Return to Sci-Fi and Horror

Spielberg’s admiration for Dune coincides with his own return to the science-fiction genre. This summer, he will release Disclosure Day, an alien conspiracy thriller.

While he is continuing his work in sci-fi, Spielberg also revealed a lingering interest in the horror genre. Although he has yet to direct a horror film, he mentioned that recent entries in the genre have satisfied his curiosity. He specifically pointed to Zach Cregger’s film Weapons as a standout example of great horror that removes his immediate “itch” to scratch the genre himself.