Frank Herbert and Alejandro Jodorowsky collaborated on "Dune," a publication printed by the reproduction workshops Aviaplans in 1975. This work, tied to an ill-fated film project, stands as a remarkable piece that inspired numerous filmmakers and audiences.
Jodorowsky's attempt at adapting "Dune" into a film remains one of the most renowned unrealized endeavors in cinematic history. Gathering a team of exceptionally talented artists, he envisioned a massive cinematic spectacle, hoping to bring to life Frank Herbert's influential 1965 novel that spawned multiple sequels and left a lasting mark on the science fiction genre.
In 1974, Jodorowsky acquired the film rights and initiated work on the ambitious project. He aimed for a film spanning an unprecedented ten to fifteen hours, entrusted pre-production to revered artists such as Jean Giraud (Moebius), Chris Foss, and Hans Ruedi Giger, who meticulously crafted the visual elements, including characters, costumes, and environments.
Jodorowsky even secured commitments from notable figures like Salvador Dalí, Mick Jagger, Orson Welles, and others to star in the film. However, despite their efforts, gathering the necessary $5 million budget proved insurmountable. Their trip to the United States to entice Hollywood studios with a comprehensive storyboard failed, leading to the project's cancellation due to financial constraints.
Nevertheless, Jodorowsky believed their project showcased the possibility of creating larger-than-life science fiction epics, influencing subsequent films like "Star Wars" and "Alien." Although the movie was never produced, its impact on the industry was undeniable.
Only a handful of copies survive of the comprehensive volume presented to potential investors, containing reproductions of the artists' drawings, including a nearly complete storyboard with dialogues in French and English.