Javier Bardem in talks for Denis Villenueve's 'Dune'

Denis Villeneuve's next directorial venture, "Dune", is getting bigger and bigger as Oscar winner Javier Bardem is expected to join the film's cast.

According to Deadline, Legendary Studios is close to signing the 49-year-old actor for the film, the latest adaptation of Frank Herbert's bestselling novel of the same name.

If finalised, Bardem will join Timothee Chalamet, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling and Rebecca Ferguson in the cast.

Actor Oscar Isaac and "Spider-Man: Homecoming" star Zendaya are also in talks to join the feature.

The story is set in the distant future and follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet), whose family assumes control of the desert planet Arrakis, also known as Dune.

After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man's relationship to nature, as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family's reign