Frank Herbert’s most famous work of fiction Dune is the topic of this week’s 1984 look back series. Showing uncanny timing news has reached us that another of the author’s works has just been optioned. The story in question is Soul Catcher, a story that was first published in 1972.
Surprsingly although Herbert has the accolade for having written the best-selling science fiction novel ever, Dune remains his only work to be transformed into celluloid. That might have some to do with the reception the DUNE film received, with director Lynch distancing himself from the project (read all about it in our feature). Before his death in 1986 Herbert had written dozens of stories including several Dune sequels.
Soul Catcher appears to have a rather strange and interesting plot. A militant Native American student seeking vengeance for his people kidnaps the teenage son of a US politician. The pair then find themselves on the run and form a bond which causes conflict for the students plan.
The story is being championed by producer Dimitri Villard, whose CV includes the brilliant FLIGHT OF THE NAVIGATOR. Villard had originally wanted to turn the book into a film during the eighties but didn’t have the opportunity:
“The book is an extraordinary example of Frank Herbert’s brilliant writing, and it is something I’ve always wanted to turn into a film. I remember the rights being unavailable when I first pursued the Soul Catcher project in the ’80s, but as my producing career developed I never forgot the powerful effect the story had on me. Now, with full support from the Frank Herbert estate, we have the opportunity to make a culturally impactful film that combines elements of suspense, high drama, mysticism and Native American history that will resonate for years to come and appeal to the millions of Frank Herbert fans worldwide.”
This project is in the very early stages but Villard has brought on casting extraordinaire Rene Haynes, who has previously cast DANCES WITH WOLVES and the Quileute clan in the TWILIGHT franchise. We will of course update you with more information as we get it.
Source: Deadline
