Timothee Chalamet in talks to join Denis Villeneuve's 'Dune'

Oscar-nominated actor Timothee Chalamet is in negotiations to star in filmmaker Denis Villeneuve's next directorial venture "Dune".

Villeneuve is directing from a script by Eric Roth, reported Variety.

Legendary closed a deal with the Frank Herbert estate in 2016 for his iconic novel, granting the studio rights to not only films, but also TV projects on the sci-fi property.

The projects will be produced by Villeneuve, Mary Parent and Cale Boyter.

Set in the distant future, "Dune" follows Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of the desert planet Arrakis. As the only producer of a highly valuable resource, jurisdiction over Arrakis is contested among competing noble families.

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.

Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Thomas Tull and Kim Herbert serving as executive producers on the projects.