Ridley Scott's Lost Dune Script Discovered: Fans Unlikely to Be Pleased

This week marks the 40th anniversary of David Lynch's adaptation of *Dune*, a film that initially faced a lukewarm reception but has since cultivated a dedicated cult following. Released on December 14, 1984, and costing $40 million, Lynch's *Dune* stands in stark contrast to the recent adaptations by Denis Villeneuve. Notably, Ridley Scott, known for *Blade Runner* and *Gladiator*, was initially slated to direct the film, a project he left in May 1981. The discovery of a 133-page draft of Scott's version, penned by Rudy Wurlitzer, sheds new light on what could have been a different cinematic journey for Frank Herbert's iconic novel.

When Scott took on the project following the success of *Alien* in 1979, Herbert had already crafted a lengthy screenplay. Scott, however, opted for a fresh start, commissioning Wurlitzer for a complete rewrite. This draft, intended as the first part of a two-part series, aimed to capture the essence of the book while infusing a unique sensibility. Wurlitzer's efforts were described as "pretty fucking good" by Scott himself in a 2021 interview with Total Film.

Despite the promise, Scott's version of *Dune* never came to fruition due to several factors, including budget constraints, Scott's reluctance to film in Mexico, and the emotional impact of his brother Frank's death. Universal Pictures executive Thom Mount highlighted that Wurlitzer's script did not receive unanimous approval, contributing to its eventual abandonment.

A Wilder Shade of Paul

The October 1980 draft opens with a dream sequence depicting apocalyptic armies, signaling Paul Atreides' foreboding destiny. Scott's script paints a vivid picture, with detailed descriptions that reflect his signature visual style. Paul, portrayed as a 7-year-old with long blonde hair, undergoes a test of will with the Reverend Mother, showcasing his early "savage innocence." This version of Paul is assertive and undergoes a flash-forward depicting his growth from age 7 to 21, transforming into a master swordsman and leader.

Long Live the Emperor

A pivotal twist in Scott's script is the death of the Emperor, which sets off a chain of events. The script introduces a mystical funeral scene with the Emperor's soul being transported by colorful energies. The Emperor's death leads to Duke Leto Atreides receiving the planet Arrakis, setting the stage for conflict with his cousin, the Baron Harkonnen. The Baron's famous line about controlling the spice is echoed in this draft, raising questions about its origin in Lynch's film.

Flight of the Navigator

Similar to Lynch's version, Scott's script includes a scene aboard a Guild Heighliner featuring a spice-mutated Navigator. The Navigator's detailed description adds a layer of intrigue and connects to Scott's later work, *Prometheus*. The Atreides' arrival on Arrakis is depicted with medieval aesthetics, reminiscent of Scott's *Legend*, emphasizing swords, feudal customs, and ecological concerns.

The script also introduces new elements, such as a bar fight involving Paul and Duncan Idaho, and a scene where Jessica levitates during meditation. The script delves into the ecological impact of spice harvesting, with Liet Kynes and Chani emphasizing the need for balance in nature.

Baron Wasteland

Dr. Yueh's betrayal is a key plot point, leading to the invasion of the Atreides' castle by Harkonnen Death Commandoes. Paul's visions and encounters in the city, including a visit to a Fremen Spice Den, add depth to his character. The script's violence is more graphic, with intense scenes of combat and betrayal.

The Deep Desert Controversy

Paul and Jessica's escape into the deep desert is portrayed with heightened intensity, including a face-to-face encounter with a sandworm. The script notably omits the controversial incest subplot present in earlier drafts, though it retains a moment of closeness between Paul and Jessica. Their journey leads them to a cave inside a giant worm carcass, where Paul duels Jamis and is accepted by the Fremen.

The script culminates in a Water of Life ceremony, where Jessica becomes the new Reverend Mother, solidifying Paul's position as the Fremen's Messiah. The draft ends with a cliffhanger, hinting at Paul's impending sandworm ride, a key moment Herbert hoped to see in the film.

Conclusions

Herbert's *Dune* novels critique the dangers of charismatic leaders, a theme that Wurlitzer's script amplifies by presenting Paul as a confident young man accepting his destiny as a universal dictator. The script, conceived during the early days of modern sci-fi cinema, aimed to tackle mature themes and ecological concerns, potentially ahead of its time.

Despite its deviations from the novel, Wurlitzer's script offers a unique perspective on *Dune*, emphasizing ecological, political, and spiritual elements. The legacy of this unmade film includes H.R. Giger's designs and the influence on subsequent adaptations. As *Dune* approaches its 60th anniversary, the themes of environmental decay and the perils of fascism remain as relevant as ever, inviting future filmmakers to explore these rich narratives.