Duneis science fiction, set on a planet that doesn’t exist in our universe. As such, another location was used as the set for the 2021 movie. Through some movie magic, Dune brought the fantastical and sci-fi feeling of Arrakis right to our own planet.
Where was it filmed though? What real desert served as the background for Paul Atreides? Here, we are going to take a look at just that. This will include every location used for filming, as the process spanned across several countries. We’ll also look at filming locations for the second film.
Where Was Dune Filmed?
Budapest, Hungary
Most of Dune wasfilmed in Budapest at Origo Film Studios. This studio has also been the filming location for popular movies such as Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and Poor Things (2023).
While not every scene was filmed at the studio, much of the principal photography took place in Budapest. For example, practical explosions for the movie were filmed inbacklots in Budapest.
Studios in Montreal and Vancouver were also used for filming.
Stadlandet, Norway
Another filming location was the area ofStandlandet in Norway. This is a lush green peninsula where scenes taking place inCaladanwere filmed.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
How did Dune create a desert-planet environment though? The deserts of Arrakis were set inWadi Rum, Jordan.This is a massive valley with sandstone and granite rocks. Interestingly, this has been used as a filming location for several shows and movies. This includesMoon Knight, John Wick: Chapter 4, and The Martian,to name a few.
Liwa Oasis, United Arab Emirates
In addition to Wadi Rum,Liwa Oasiswas also used as a filming location forArrakis. Previously, this desert oasis was the filming location of Jakku, which is a desert planet fromStar Wars: The Force Awakens.
Rub' al Khali, Abu Dhabi
Lastly, we have theRub' al Khali desert.This also served as a backdrop forArrakis. Additionally, Rub' al Khali was used to film Fremen heat shelters. Like the Liwa Oasis, parts ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens were also shot here.
Dune 2 Filming Location
Staying true to the first Dune movie, the sequel reuses the same settings to create consistency. In addition to the locations above, filming also expanded to the Brion Tomb in Altivole, Italy.
