Arrival director Denis Villeneuve confirmed for Dune remake

The Sicario filmmaker will oversee a new adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel

Denis Villeneuve - the Oscar-nominated director of Arrival - has been confirmed as the director of the Dune remake.

Legendary Pictures has lined up the visionary who's currently hard at work Blade Runner 2049 to tackle a new version of the Frank Herbert novel following the critically-mauled David Lynch version released in 1984.

Villeneuve's hiring was announced by Herbert's son, Brian.

Other filmmakers who were in line to direct include Sir Ridley Scott and Friday Night Lights creator Peter Berg (Deepwater Horizon).

Instead, bosses have opted for Villeneuve who has enjoyed Hollywood success following his debut film Incendies was released in 2010. His credits include the acclaimed Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario and the Amy Adams-starring Oscars Best Picture nominee Arrival which wowed critics upon release in 2016.

This will reportedly be the first in a series of Dune films. There is currently no word on who will star.

Villeneuve's Blade Runner sequel sees Harrison Ford return alongside new additions Ryan Gosling, Robin Wright and Barkhad Abdi. You can watch the trailer here.