Dune 2 is an epic sci-fi film starring Austin Butler, Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and Christopher Walken in the main roles.
It is the sci-fi sequel to the 2021 film that follows Paul Atreides and his family, who are forced to fight on the side of desert planet Arrakis. This time, the war is against House Harkonnen and that’s why, there’s a location shift.
So, let’s look at those real places, where this movie was filmed.
Dune 2 Filming Locations
Dune: Part Two was filmed across various regions of Italy, Hungary, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. As per records, the shooting began in July 2022 and wrapped around December 2022
Notably, the Italian town of Altivole provided the setting for the Corrino household, while Budapest, Hungary served as a key location for filming the iconic sandworm riding scene.
The vast desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the UAE were also utilized for filming numerous scenes. Here’s a closer look at the filming locations:
Altivole, Italy
The charming city of Altivole, located in the Treviso province of Italy, served as the primary filming location for Dune: Part Two.
This picturesque town is situated in the middle of rolling hills served as the backdrop for the interiors of the Corrino household, a powerful house in the Dune universe.
With its rolling hills and medieval architecture, this quaint municipality served as an ideal filming site for many scenes.
Altivole boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times. Today, it’s known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and historical landmarks like the Villa Manzoni Moscardelli.
Popular tourist attractions in Altivole include the Brion Tomb, a famous modernist landmark designed by architect Carlo Scarpa.
If you’re visiting Altivole, be sure to check out:
- Villa Manzoni Moscardelli: A beautiful 17th-century villa surrounded by gardens.
- Church of San Marco: A historical church with impressive frescoes.
- Prosecco Hills: Explore the rolling hills and vineyards famous for producing Prosecco win
Memoriale Brion, Altivole
Another filming location for Dune 2 was the unique Memoriale Brion, a tomb complex located in Altivole.
This architectural masterpiece is designed by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, and it served as the exterior of the Corrino household in the film.
The Memoriale Brion is a fascinating blend of modern and ancient architecture, featuring geometric shapes and reflecting pools.
It’s a popular tourist destination known for its peaceful atmosphere and artistic significance.
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Budapest, Hungary
The epic battles in “Dune 2” were filmed in the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary.
While the exact location within the city remains unknown, the production team might have utilized the spacious backlot of Origo Film Studios.
A notable scene involving Paul riding a sandworm was filmed in Budapest. This epic scene reportedly took over three months to shoot, showcasing the dedication and effort put into the film’s visual effects.
This filming choice offered more control and flexibility for the large-scale action sequences compared to using a real-world site.
While actors performed on a set depicting a portion of the worm, their imagination filled in the rest, creating the illusion of riding a giant creature.
Budapest is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture, including the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building.
The city boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times, with remnants of various civilizations still visible today.
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Wadi Rum, Jordan
The film’s production team returned to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum in Jordan. This desert region provided the perfect backdrop for the romantic scenes between Paul and Chani.
To capture the magic of the golden hour, the crew of Dune 2 meticulously shot these scenes within a specific window of time to ensure the perfect lighting.
This protected desert wilderness features majestic sandstone mountains and red sand dunes. Wadi Rum is also home to ancient rock drawings and the preserved ruins of ancient civilizations.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The capital of the UAE provided sweeping desert scenery for many scenes of Dune 2. The vast deserts of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi served as a crucial filming location for the shooting of desert scenes.
Director Denis Villeneuve emphasized the meticulous effort involved in maintaining the pristine desert landscape. A dedicated “sand team” was employed to sweep the sand, ensuring the wind erased any footprints before the next day’s filming.
Abu Dhabi is a popular vacation spot, known for its luxury resorts, grand mosques, Formula 1 racing, and sandy beaches along the Persian Gulf coast.
Behind The Scenes
These diverse locations not only served as stunning backdrops for the film but also boast rich histories and unique attractions.
Travelers can explore the charming towns of Italy, experience the architectural wonders of Budapest, witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Wadi Rum, and immerse themselves in the rich culture of the United Arab Emirates.
Dune 2 Cast
The cast of Dune 2 is as follows:
- Zendaya as Chani
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Rebecca Ferguson as Jessica
- Javier Bardem as Stilgar
- Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
- Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha
- Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
- Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban
- Christopher Walken as Emperor
- Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring
About Dune: Part Two
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune 2 is the second film in Villeneuve’s adaptation of the 1965 novel on the same name by Frank Herbert.
The movie follows Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he reunites with the people of Fremen on the deserted planet Arrakis to start a war against House Harkonnen. The official plot of the movie reads:
In the harsh desert of Arrakis, Paul Atreides seeks refuge with the Fremen while wrestling with his destiny and yearning for revenge against those who betrayed his family.
Dune 2 is only available in theaters now, with its exclusive theatrical release starting on March 1, 2024 while the first part is on Netflix.
