Peter Berg will direct a big-screen adaptation of the Frank Herbert classic sci-fi novel Dune for Paramount Pictures.

Berg previously directed The Kingdom, Friday Night Lights, and the upcoming Will Smith film Hancock.

Dune was first adapted as a feature film in 1984 by director David Lynch, and in 2000 as a miniseries for the SCI FI Channel.

The 1965 award-winning novel takes place in a futuristic intergalactic setting where the spice called melange is a highly valuable and multi-purpose item, but can only be obtained on the desert planet Arrakis. In a plot to destroy one of the galaxy’s ruling houses, the Emperior sends the Atreides family to Arrakis where they face great dangers. What happens there incites the young Paul Atreides, who it has been prophetized is destined for greatness, to seek revenge on his enemies.

Producing the Berg-directed Dune remake, which Paramount foresees as a tentpole film, will be Kevin Misher, who spent the past year obtaining the book rights from the Herbert estate. Also producing are Richard Rubenstein (who produced the Dune miniseries and its sequel Children of Dune) as well as Sarah Aubrey. John Harrison and Mike Messina will executive produce. The producers are looking for writers who will script a faithful adaptation of award-winning book.

Late last year before the writers strike was settled, Berg told MTV about his plans for Dune and said about Lynch’s film that “that interpretation has left the door wide open for a remake.” The director had confessed to being a huge fan of the book and said that his adaptation would be “big big big.”

[Source: Variety]