MARINA — For longtime Marina resident Byron Merritt, summers meant spending time with his grandfather, Frank Herbert. While Herbert was known to most as a classic science fiction novelist, other descriptors flood Merritt’s mind when remembering his grandfather: mentor, cook, speed reader, and above all else, an inspiration.
Now, Merritt has the chance to bring that legacy — both personal and professional — home.
Friday night, Merritt will honor his grandfather’s memory and work alongside family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for a local premiere at the Century Marina theater of the film “Dune,” an adaptation of Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel. To Merritt, there is no better way to celebrate the film’s release than with those whom he’s grown to know living in Monterey County for the last 31 years.
“I felt really strongly about keeping it in the community,” said Merritt. “I’m looking forward to seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces. That’s the best part. That we can all watch this incredible movie… together.”
Though grateful that he could put together a hometown premiere, the idea only came to Merritt after a much larger, Los Angeles-based premiere of “Dune” was canceled due to COVID-19 hesitations. As an executive producer of the movie, Merritt planned to attend the event with his wife, Stasia. Instead, they were left wondering what they could do on their own.
The answer was simple: go local.
“First, I wanted to promote the movie in my own neighborhood,” said Merritt. “Second, I wanted to support local theaters. They really struggled during the pandemic in terms of keeping doors open and trying to stay safe, so I really wanted to bring them some attention and business.”
In Hollywood fashion, a red carpet will line the theater’s entrance Friday night as guests draped in cocktail dresses and tuxedos flit by the flash of cameras and relish in live entertainment before the movie begins. All guests will be required to pair their formal garb with masks and show proof of vaccination to enter the rented-out theater. The hope is to create a safe and intimate alternative premiere that celebrates the community as much as the film itself.
“They say think globally and act locally,” said Merritt. “I think that can apply to just being a good citizen in your neighborhood. To support local businesses and your community.”
Friday night’s premiere will also be a personal moment of triumph for Merritt and his family, who have spent the last four years helping “Dune” come to life, an achievement they felt they owed to Herbert’s work.
“(My grandfather) would be over the moon at what (has been) done to create this movie,” said Merritt. “Anyone who thought ‘Dune’ was unfilmable has been proved wrong now, and I think he would be really happy about that.”
A futuristic hero’s journey, “Dune” is set millennia into the future and tackles complex themes like environmental exploitation, colonialism and power struggles, Merritt explained. The newest film is the latest addition to decades of follow-up novels, short stories and a previous on-screen adaption that have expanded Herbert’s “Dune” universe far beyond his original 412-page book.
“‘Dune kind of trickled in and gained steam,” said Merritt. “It didn’t really blow up out of nowhere. My family is amazed at how well the series has stood the test of time.”
After Herbert passed away in 1986, his literary legacy was passed on to be looked after by his son, Brian Herbert, alongside Merritt as part of Herbert Properties LLC. Together, they oversee Herbert’s estate and are the current rights holders to the “Dune” series. For this reason, Merritt and his family were involved in the recent film adaption, especially in decisions regarding screenplay and how the movie was going to be made.
But being a part of this process was more than an obligation of ownership. Merritt sought to take an active role in helping “Dune” come together, as the project allowed him to rekindle the closeness with his grandfather they so often shared.
“I feel as though he has almost joined us,” said Merritt. “…We all feel a little closer as a family and to my grandfather. I’m hoping to keep his namesake alive. And I think we are.”
