Denis Villeneuve is set to work again with Legendary Pictures on a movie version of Annie Jacobsen’s nonfiction bestseller “Nuclear War: A Scenario.”
Villeneuve made both of the “Dune” movies with Legendary. It’s expected that the filmmaker would begin working on “Nuclear War” after completing the proposed third “Dune” movie, “Dune: Messiah.”
While Villeneuve is likely to direct, Legendary’s announcement mentioned that his involvement might also include producing, adapting and/or directing. Tanya Lapointe, Villeneuve’s long-time producing partner, would also be part of the adaptation.
According to the official summary, “Nuclear War” “explores this ticking-clock scenario, based on dozens of exclusive new interviews with military and civilian experts who have built the weapons, have been informed about the response plans, and have been responsible for those decisions should they have needed to be made.”
The book was an instant hit on the New York Times and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists after its release on March 26.
Jacobsen has also penned “Area 51” (which was once being adapted as an AMC prestige series), “Operation: Paperclip” and “Phenomena.” She also writes and produces TV, including “Jack Ryan.”
Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” is currently the top-grossing movie of 2024 with a box office tally so far of $630 million worldwide and still counting.
