'Dune' reboot latest news: 'Arrival' director Denis Villeneuve set to direct film remake?

It looks like "Blade Runner: 2049" director Denis Villeneuve is ready to take on another classic film in the sci-fi genre.

According to Variety, their sources have revealed that Villeneuve is in early talks with Legendary to possibly direct the company's film reboot and adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic novel, "Dune."

Before the Thanksgiving holiday this year, Legendary managed to successfully close a deal with Frank Herbert's estate and secured the rights to his 1965 sci-fi novel. Their deal grants not only film rights but also TV projects based on Herbert's work.

The "Dune" projects would reportedly be produced by Thomas Tull, Cale Boyter, and Mary Parent. Brian Herbert, Kim Herbert, and Byron Merritt will be serving as executive producers.

"Dune" is an iconic sci-fi film which is set in the distant future. It follows the story of Paul Atreides, whose noble family achieves control of the desert planet Arrakis; the stewardship of which is much contested among competing noble families. As the planet is the only source of a valuable "spice," Paul and his family ends up being betrayed.

Paul leads to a decision of starting a rebellion that would restore his family's authority over the planet. In doing so, the story explores themes of religion, politics, and man's relationship to nature.

"Dune" was adapted into a film by Universal Pictures back in 1984, which was directed by David Lynch. At the time, the film was deemed as a critical and commercial failure, garnering negative reviews and only grossing $30.9 million. However, as years went by, the film eventually achieved a significant cult following.

According to MovieWeb, Legendary has yet to announce a target release date for their "Dune" reboot. However, the outcome of the film's development looks promising with director Villeneuve at the helm of its production.

Villeneuve has been receiving a lot of praise critically and much success at the box office with the release of his last three films, "Prisoners," "Sicario" and "Arrival." The director is also currently working on the sequel to another adored sci-fi classic, "Blade Runner," with the title "Blade Runner 2049." The upcoming film sequel is one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2017.