Where was Dune filmed? Explore iconic Dune filming locations from Arrakis to Caladan that brought the sci-fi epic to life.
If you’ve ever watched Dune and wondered, “Where was Dune filmed?” — you’re not alone. The sweeping landscapes and ethereal beauty of the desert feel almost too perfect to be real.
The iconic Dune filming locations feel like they were pulled straight from the pages of Frank Herbert’s novel. But these stunning visuals weren’t created on a soundstage alone — they’re real places across Earth that brought the saga to life.
From the sun-scorched dunes of Arrakis to the lush shores of Caladan, each Dune filming location helps tell the mythic rise of the Lisan al-Gaib — Muad’Dib himself-whose destiny unfolds against backdrops as grand as the prophecy itself.
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Where Was Dune Filmed?
Whether you’re chasing spice in the deserts of Arrakis or admiring the stormy coastlines of Caladan, the Dune filming locations are almost characters themselves — each one chosen with surgical precision by Denis Villeneuve to serve the grand scale of the story.
Here’s where House Atreides, the Fremen, and even those Harkonnen fiends came to life.
📍 Wadi Rum, Jordan — The True Face of Arrakis
Ah, Wadi Rum — majestic, merciless, and strangely beautiful. This red-sand wonder in Jordan gave us the first real look at Arrakis, and let’s just say: the spice flows naturally here.
When fans wonder where Dune’s desert scenes were filmed, this is the place. Denis Villeneuve described it as “unreal and otherworldly,” and the cast battled the heat like true Fremen.
Paul’s first steps into the deep desert? That was pure Wadi Rum magic. It’s been used in sci-fi before (Rogue One, The Martian, Prometheus), but Dune took it to celestial levels.
Bring water — melange isn’t real… yet.
📍 Stadlandet, Norway — The House Atreides Homeworld of Caladan
Before spice, sandworms, and visions of jihad, there was Caladan — oceanic, melancholic, and breathtaking. The scenes where Paul broods on cliff edges like a space Hamlet? Shot in Stadlandet, Norway.
If you’re wondering where Dune‘s Caladan sequences were filmed, this coastal Nordic gem was the answer. It captured the noble, storm-swept legacy of House Atreides.
The misty waves, the deep greens — it’s like the planet whispered “duty” with every gust. It’s no wonder Paul didn’t want to leave.
📍 Budapest, Hungary — Imperial Palaces and the Politics of Space
Hungary’s capital stood in for the opulent halls of the Imperium. Those shots where the Reverend Mother stared into Paul’s soul? That’s not on another planet — it’s a soundstage in Budapest.
Much of the interior Dune filming was done here, where old-world grandeur met futuristic design. Villeneuve’s team turned this place into Giedi Prime’s antithesis — diplomatic yet cold.
If you’ve wondered where Dune’s indoor scenes were filmed in 2021, Budapest holds many answers, and secrets…
📍 Abu Dhabi, UAE — Sandworms and Sacred Ground
Abu Dhabi delivered scale and heat. The Liwa Desert, in particular, became one of the most crucial Dune filming locations for Part One and beyond.
The vast dunes doubled as deep Arrakis, where Shai-Hulud stirs beneath the sands. Remember the epic sandworm scene where Paul and Jessica make their desperate run?
Filmed in the blistering heat of Abu Dhabi’s desert with full stillsuits — an actor’s dream. 🥵
So, if you wondered where Dune was filmed in 2020, this is it: sweaty, stunning, and absolutely sacred.
📍 Krafla Volcano, Iceland — Visions and Spice-Dreams
The eerie, geothermal landscape of the Krafla Volcano in Iceland didn’t make the biggest appearance, but it played a vital role in Paul’s spice-induced visions.
With bubbling mud pots and surreal terrain, Iceland’s lava fields were chosen for their ethereal quality. It felt like a dream or a nightmare — exactly what Paul experiences during his awakening.
If you spot otherworldly flashes in Dune Part One, this might be the terrain of prophecy. You don’t need to fear sandworms here, just slipping into a hot spring.
📍 Ireland — Rumors, Reshoots, and Rain
Ireland, often mentioned in whispers among fans, was reportedly used for additional shots and location scouting, especially during post-production and possible reshoots.
While not confirmed as a major Dune filming location, eagle-eyed fans spotted the crew in Kerry and Wicklow.
If you’re making a Dune filming locations map, don’t rule out this green jewel, especially for Caladan-like establishing shots.
📍 Utah, USA — The American Arrakis?
Believe it or not, Utah’s Mars-like terrain in the deserts around Moab and Zion has long been a favorite for sci-fi projects.
Some speculative sources cite brief testing or concept shots from the Dune team here. While it didn’t make the final cut of Part One, Utah remains a desert worthy of Arrakis cosplay.
If you’re still wondering where Dune was filmed in the U.S., this is as close as it gets.
📍 Las Vegas, Nevada (Yes, Really) — A Glimpse of Earth’s Decay
This one’s a curveball. While not part of the 2021/2024 film series, David Lynch’s Dune (1984) used the surreal, apocalyptic backdrop of Las Vegas’ sand-covered outskirts.
Think crumbling cities, dust-choked ruins — a metaphor for the old world, perhaps?
If you’re a completist wondering where Dune was filmed in 1984, you’ll stumble across Nevada’s weirdly fitting vibes. Perfect for a cult classic.
So, Where Was Dune Filmed in 2024?
With Dune Part Two (2024) pushing deeper into the spice-rich world of Arrakis and beyond, the question remains on every fan’s mind: Where is Dune Part Three filming?
Expect continued use of Jordan’s vast dunes, Abu Dhabi’s scorched horizons, and perhaps new surprises in Italy or Iceland. These Dune filming locations aren’t just backdrops — they’re testaments to Denis Villeneuve’s commitment to scale, vision, and verisimilitude.
For those exploring the locations where Dune was filmed, remember: the path of the Kwisatz Haderach was forged across Earth’s most cinematic frontiers. After all, the sleeper must awaken… and so must the traveler, Muad’Dib.
Disclaimer: Dune and all related names, characters, and elements are trademarks of Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros., and are used here for informational purposes only.
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