“Dune: Part Two” Director Denis Villeneuve Praises Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis for Providing Stunning Desert Landscape
In the highly anticipated sequel to “Dune,” director Denis Villeneuve sought to bring the desert planet Arrakis to life on the big screen. To achieve this, he turned to Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis, a breathtaking location that provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s epic landscapes and monstrous sandworms. Villeneuve expressed his admiration for the location and the services provided by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and UAE-based production services company Epic Films in a promotional behind-the-scenes video.
The director emphasized the film’s theme of the relationship between humans and nature, stating, “‘Dune’ is about the relationship of humans with nature.” He believed it was crucial to capture the essence of nature on screen so that the audience could truly believe in the world of Arrakis. By filming in Liwa Oasis, Villeneuve aimed to create a tangible and realistic experience for viewers.
For the first installment of “Dune,” Villeneuve and the cast and crew spent five days shooting in the Abu Dhabi desert. However, for “Dune: Part Two,” they returned to Liwa Oasis and immersed themselves in its towering rolling dunes for a remarkable 27 days. These dunes, some of which reach heights of over 600 feet, are located on the edge of Rub’ Al Khali, the world’s largest uninterrupted desert.
The production team faced significant logistical challenges during the shoot. Executive producer Tanya Lapointe explained that they had to navigate a network of 18 miles of road to access different locations within Liwa Oasis. Despite the enormity of the endeavor, Lapointe described it as a spectacular experience. She also highlighted the benefit of Legendary Pictures receiving a generous 30% cashback rebate on production spend from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.
Line producer Robbie McAree, head of UAE-based Epic Films, shared his perspective on the challenges faced during the production. McAree revealed that Villeneuve wanted to explore new locations in the desert, avoiding any repetition from the first film. This led them to venture deeper into the desert, closer to the Saudi border, in search of fresh and unique settings.
The production heavily relied on local talent and crew, with close to 300 locally-based professionals involved in the project. McAree praised the collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the Abu Dhabi municipality, and other affiliated departments and vendors. Their assistance was particularly crucial when it came to building roads through the desert.
Accommodations for the A-list cast, including Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, were provided at the Qasr Al Sarab Hotel desert resort, located near the filming site. However, due to limited bed availability, McAree proposed the idea of building a camp for the cast and crew. Initially met with skepticism, this solution proved successful and allowed everyone to stay close to the filming location.
The use of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis as a filming location for “Dune: Part Two” showcases the stunning natural beauty of the region. Villeneuve’s vision of bringing Arrakis to life on screen was made possible by the collaboration between international and local talent, as well as the support of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and other local entities. With its towering dunes and vast desert landscapes, Liwa Oasis adds an authentic and awe-inspiring element to the highly anticipated sequel.