The romantic comedy is an under-appreciated and often under-respected genre of movie — but thankfully not everyone thinks that way. In fact, Dune director Denis Villeneuve revealed that the first film he ever wrote was actually a science fiction rom-com.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like we will see it brought to life anytime soon, based on the writer/director’s latest comments during his appearance on Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast.
Did Denis Villeneuve Write A Sci-Fi Rom-Com?
In a wide-ranging interview with Michael Schneider, Villeneuve spoke quite candidly about Dune, Dune: Part Two, Arrival, Blade Runner 2046, and many other subjects pertaining to the art of making movies, given the acclaimed director’s many years making some of your favorite films.
“As a filmmaker, you’re a lonely wolf,” he explains. “When your work is appreciated by the community, it feels like you’re part of a family. That’s what truly matters to me.”
And while many of his fans might be interested in hearing about the projects he’s already completed, we’re far more interested in the one that has yet to see the light of day. When asked by Schneider if he’d be open to working outside of the epic, cinematic, science fiction-heavy big budget blockbuster world he’s come to dominate, Villeneuve admitted that he’s already written a romantic comedy.
“Funny enough, my first feature was a kind of dark sci-fi rom-com about the end of the world. I was laughing out loud while writing it, but everyone who read it found it depressing. Maybe I’m not the right person for comedy. Maybe Yorgos Lanthimos can make it,” he jokes. For now, the screenplay remains tucked away, awaiting the right moment — or perhaps the right director — to bring it to life.
A dark science fiction romantic comedy about the end of the world? From the mind of Denis Villeneuve? Who wouldn’t want that, even if it IS as depressing as he so claims? Frankly, we’re dying to know more and dig into who we’d cast in the lead roles. Unfortunately, we’d need a bit more information than what we’ve been given in this interview to do that. Still, with as much industry goodwill as Villeneuve brings to anything he does, it’s a bit mind-boggling that Hollywood won’t give him the money to make a film like this. But that’s just the bias the industry has against the romantic comedy these days. Anything that can and will be dubbed a “chick flick” has a much harder time convincing the powers-that-be that it’s a worthy, marketable, and profitable endeavor. Perhaps one day, with or without Yorgos Lanthimos behind the lens, we’ll get the Denis Villeneuve dark rom-com we deserve. Until then, we’ll have to settle for his adventures on Arrakis and wherever else he ends up building new worlds. To hear more of Villeneuve’s thoughts on the films of his that have been made, check out the rest of the hour long interview below:
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