Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ May Have Found a Great Actor for Paul Atreides

In the realm of legendary fantasy protagonists, Dune's Paul Atreides is second only to Luke Skywalker in terms of popularity and endurance as a symbol of hope in otherwise dire circumstances. When it was announced that Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve was going to be making a new film adaptation of Dune, the biggest worry for many fans was who he'd get to play this iconic role.

Well, if the latest news out of the film is any indication, he's found probably the best young actor for the role. According to Deadline, Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet is in talks to play the role, and if you've seen him in Call Me By Your Name or Lady Bird, you'll know immediately why he's the best man for the job.

Very few young actors live up to an immense amount of hype, but Chalamet deserves the hype and then some. His work in both of those films was spectacular, and he's even better in the upcoming Beautiful Boy. If you're going to have a face of your franchise right now, this is the guy you want, and I sincerely hope Villeneuve is able to land him for this crucial role. It could be just the boost that Dune needs to regain its status as one of the most influential works of fantasy ever created.