Val Kilmer almost played Paul Atreides and other tidbits from the oral history of David Lynch’s Dune

Director Denis Villeneuve has had great success with his latest Dune film in which Timothée Chalamet plays the main character Paul Atreides. But Villeneuve wasn’t the first person to tackle this story. David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Dune is a cinematic anomaly that has long fascinated fans and critics alike, myself included. Known for its sprawling deserts, massive sandworms and bizarre visuals like Guild Navigators floating in spice-induced fog, the film stands as a polarizing entry in Lynch’s filmography compared to entries such as Blue velvet or even Twin Peaks.

Despite its status as a commercial and critical failure, 1984 Dune the film has garnered a cult following over the years. Now, film writer Max Evry’s book, A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral Historyoffers a detailed exploration of this eccentric project that repositions the film in the wider landscape of science fiction films.

As described in detail Mashable, Evry’s book is a detailed oral history that delves deep into the production, casting and aftermath Dune. Through interviews with cast, crew, studio executives and Lynch himself, Evry paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges of adapting Frank Herbert’s complex novel. The book is not just a study of Dune as film, but also a reflection on the artistic and industrial forces that shaped its creation. As someone who has read the entire series of novels, this film adaptation stayed true to Herbert’s written prose for me.

One of the most fascinating aspects highlighted in the A masterpiece in disarray is the film’s casting process. Several high-profile actors were considered for key roles, leading to a treasure trove of what-if moments. For example, Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise and Kevin Costner all co-starred to play Paul Atreides. According to production assistant Craig Campobasso, Kilmer was initially the top choice until Kyle MacLachlan gave an excellent screen test and was cast.

“We screen-tested Michael Biehn, Kevin Costner, Lewis Smith. There were a few others. Val Kilmer, of course, because Val was actually the first choice until Kyle did his screen test. Paul-Muad’Dib is not an easy character made it look easy, but if you saw all the other actors, it didn’t live up to it didn’t fit the criteria for Paul-Muad’Dib because you’re looking for this inner strength.”

Craig Campobasso

Kilmer’s audition showcased his Juilliard training and a poised, almost forceful performance reminiscent of Daniel Craig’s take on James Bond. However, studio executives expressed doubts about his suitability for the role, especially over details such as his physical appearance.

Similarly, casting for Lady Jessica also involved a search for the perfect fit, with Glenn Close being seriously considered. Despite her strong audition and support from the costume designer, Close was ultimately passed over—a decision producer Raffaella De Laurentiis later acknowledged as a missed opportunity. Francesca Annis would ultimately play the character.

Then, of course, there was Sting, who ultimately played Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. His casting involved considerable effort, including a personal visit from Lynch to secure his involvement in the film. Sting’s presence added electric star power to the film, showcased by the now iconic blue Speedo scene. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes about creating a body cast for his costume—complete with bizarre requests for crotch molds—capture the almost surreal atmosphere that defined the production.

Evry’s book goes beyond telling funny or dramatic stories. It contextualizes Dune within the challenges of adapting a dense literary work to the big screen. Lynch’s ambitious vision collided with studio interference and Herbert’s expansive world-building, resulting in a film that struggled to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability. A masterpiece in disarray reframes the film as a brave, if flawed, experiment that deserves recognition for its audacity and influence.

A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune – An Oral History is available from 1984 Publication.