Ridley Scott's Lost Dune Script Discovered: Fans Would Not Have Been Pleased

This week marks the 40th anniversary of David Lynch's Dune, a film that initially bombed at the box office with a $40 million haul but has since cultivated a passionate cult following over the past four decades. Released on December 14, 1984, Lynch's take on Frank Herbert's seminal novel stands in stark contrast to the more recent adaptations by Denis Villeneuve. The announcement of Lynch as the director, following Ridley Scott's departure in May 1981, was a significant pivot for the project, especially given Lynch's reputation for eccentricity.

Until recently, little was known about the version Ridley Scott developed for mega-producer Dino De Laurentiis before handing it off to Lynch. Thanks to the diligent efforts of T.D. Nguyen, a 133-page draft from October 1980 written by Rudy Wurlitzer has been unearthed from the Coleman Luck archives at Wheaton College. This draft provides a fascinating glimpse into what might have been.

When Ridley Scott took on the project shortly after the success of Alien in 1979, Frank Herbert had already penned a two-part screenplay adaptation that was overly faithful yet un-cinematic. Scott, after considering using some of Herbert's scenes, opted for a complete rewrite, enlisting Wurlitzer to start from scratch at Pinewood Studios in London. This approach mirrored the eventual structure of both Herbert's and Villeneuve's adaptations, planned as a two-part series.

Rudy Wurlitzer described the adaptation process as one of the most challenging tasks he'd undertaken, emphasizing the effort to distill the essence of the book while infusing it with a unique sensibility. Ridley Scott praised the script, calling it "pretty fucking good" in a 2021 interview with Total Film.

Despite the script's quality, several factors led to its abandonment, including Scott's emotional turmoil following his brother Frank's death, disagreements over filming locations, budget concerns surpassing $50 million, and the allure of the Blade Runner project. Additionally, Universal Pictures executive Thom Mount noted in the book A Masterpiece in Disarray – David Lynch's Dune that Wurlitzer's script did not garner unanimous approval within the studio.

The October 1980 draft opens with an evocative dream sequence depicting deserts transforming into apocalyptic armies, setting the stage for Paul Atreides' "terrible purpose." Ridley Scott's visual style is evident in descriptions such as "birds and insects become a whirling hysteria of motion," showcasing his ability to infuse scenes with dynamic energy.

In this script, Paul is portrayed as a 7-year-old with long blonde hair, undergoing his initial trials, including the Reverend Mother's test with "the box." His character is depicted with a "savage innocence," showcasing assertiveness and confidence that evolves as he grows from age 7 to 21. This contrasts sharply with Lynch's portrayal, where Paul's vulnerability adds tension and concern for his journey.

A significant narrative twist occurs when Jessica witnesses a gardener reacting to the Emperor's death, a catalyst that propels the story forward. The Emperor's funeral scene, set in a mystical environment, introduces the political intrigue and mystical elements central to the story. The Baron Harkonnen's offer to Duke Leto to share spice production is met with rejection, setting the stage for conflict.

The Atreides' journey aboard a Guild Heighliner includes a detailed depiction of a Navigator, a spice-mutated creature with a unique visual design reminiscent of Scott's later work in Prometheus. Upon arriving on Arrakis, the script emphasizes the planet's medieval aesthetic, with dark chambers and feudal customs, drawing parallels to Scott's Legend.

The script delves into the ecological devastation caused by spice harvesting, highlighted by Liet Kynes' introduction of his daughter Chani and discussions about restoring balance to nature. The urban ghettos of Arakeen are vividly described, showcasing class disparity inspired by Gillo Pontecorvo's The Battle of Algiers.

An action-packed sequence involves Paul and Duncan Idaho engaging in a bar fight, which feels somewhat out of place but adds intensity to their characters. The script also introduces Stilgar, the stoic Fremen leader, and a scene where Jessica levitates during meditation, emphasizing her Bene Gesserit abilities.

The narrative escalates with Dr. Yueh's betrayal, leading to a violent confrontation with Harkonnen Death Commandoes. Paul's visions from inhaling spice vapor introduce his unborn sister Alia, and his encounter with a Hunter-Seeker, reimagined as a bat-like creature, adds a unique twist to the story.

Paul and Jessica's escape into the deep desert is intense, with Paul facing a sandworm without fear. The script omits the controversial incest subplot present in earlier drafts, though it retains a moment of physical closeness between mother and son.

As they seek refuge in a cave within a dead sandworm, Paul's duel with Jamis solidifies his position among the Fremen. The subsequent Spice ceremony and Paul's acceptance as Maud'Dib underscore his transformation into a leader, albeit one with darker undertones than in other adaptations.

The script concludes with a Water of Life ceremony, where Jessica becomes the new Reverend Mother, and Paul is recognized as the Messiah. The narrative hints at a future sandworm ride for Paul, a pivotal moment Herbert emphasized as essential to the story.

Frank Herbert's Dune novels critiqued the dangers of charismatic leaders, a theme Wurlitzer's script explores with a more assertive and confident Paul. This approach, while ambitious, might have been too mature and divergent for audiences accustomed to the burgeoning modern science fiction genre of the time.

Despite its unpopularity at the studio level, Wurlitzer's script offered a balanced portrayal of the novel's ecological, political, and spiritual themes. H.R. Giger's contributions to the production, including phallic sandworm designs and Harkonnen furniture made from skeletons, further highlight the script's bold vision.

Ridley Scott and Dino De Laurentiis eventually collaborated on Hannibal, which was a commercial success. Elements from the Dune script also found their way into Scott's subsequent films, such as Blade Runner and the upcoming Gladiator II.

As we look to the future, the ecological and political themes of Dune remain as relevant as ever, suggesting that a new adaptation focusing on these elements could resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.