This week is going to be huge for science fiction fans, because, after a nearly year-long COVID-induced delay, the new film adaptation of the novel Dune is finally premiering on Friday. One of the genre’s grandest epics is about to be retold for a new generation, so it probably won’t surprise many fans to hear that it looks like Fortnite is getting Dune-themed content to coincide with that.
Since its original debut in 1965, Frank Herbert’s tale of various powerful factions fighting for control of a special desert planet has inspired many a reader with its distinct storytelling, dense worldbuilding, and memorable characters. With the new film version coming to theaters and HBO Max in a few days, a lot of people will have a chance to be introduced to Dune, and now it seems Fortnite will be helping to spread awareness even further.
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One of the game’s more prominent leakers, Hypex, has uncovered screenshots and in-game footage of a slew of Dune-themed cosmetic items slated for Fortnite Chapter 2 Season 8. These include a new loading screen, emote, and harvesting tools that represent various pieces of Dune iconography. The most prominent of these are two new character skins based on protagonists Paul Atreides and Chani as played in the movie by Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
In addition to these, Hypex’s leaks show other cosmetics like Fremkit and Chani’s Satchel back bling, a Sand Walk emote, an Ornithopter glider, and Maker Hooks and Twinblades pickaxes. Last is a loading screen that depicts Paul and Chani along with a Fishsticks version of Dune’s iconic sandworms. These items will apparently be split into two bundles, with the Dune bundle including the skins, back bling, and loading screen, and the Dune Gear bundle including the emote, glider, and pickaxes.
Epic Games has yet to formally announce the new items, but one can assume at this point that they will be added to Fortnite’s ever-growing list of crossover content, and soon. Hypex notes that the shop section has been added to the game, suggesting the bundles will be available either tonight or tomorrow. Although no date has been set just yet, it’s a safe bet that they will be available in time for Dune’s premiere on Friday.
While fans have to wait a few more days before finally getting to see the movie, critics have had a chance to, and most early reviews for Dune have high praise for director Denis Villeneuve’s take on the story. Assuming the general public ends up feeling the same way, it’s likely a lot of Fortnite-playing fans will want to celebrate with the themed cosmetics.
Fortnite is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Dune premieres in theaters and HBO Max on October 22.
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