Diving into a possible genre has quickly become one of the favorite genres in cinema. Filmmakers get a wide-lensed spectrum to explore creativity in imagining an impending doom.
As Dystopian novels in previous centuries explored what the world would look like in 2020, several predictions seem prevalent in today’s age, such as – The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, The Children of Men by P.D. James, and many more.
The writers based their predictions on how minute discrimination and ignorance in the present would compound disastrous consequences in the future.
One such visionary American author, Frank Herbert, created Dune, publishing it as two serials in Analog Magazine in 1965.
Dune Story Explained
Dune can be largely seen as ‘The Hero’s Journey’ of the main protagonist Paul Atreides who navigates through a dystopian interstellar society with feudal rules. He looks up to his father as his role model as they accept the stewardship of the planet Arrakis.
Arrakis is facing poor environmental conditions where existence is a fight for survival. Yet there are several eyes on this planet. The secret is a rare melange, a.k.a ‘spice,’ which has the ability to extend life and upgrade mental abilities.
Paul is now put on a pedestal where he has two crossroads– either be true to his authentic self or become the one he dreads the most. Paul is kind and possesses tolerance to a superhuman amount of pain. He can use his ‘voice’ to influence a person.
The first movie sees his transformation into a “Tragic Hero” at the cost of his individuality. Nevertheless, he is the messiah for the people.
Why Are There Two Dune Movies?
Dune Part 2 picks up after Paul has a dedicated following. The book mentions a prophecy that he is the ‘chosen one.’ It seems the after-hero journey will see drastic character development.
From the political, technological, ecological, and religion-based repercussions on mankind, the story is a reflection of the current deteriorating environmental conditions on Earth. As ignorant as we are towards climate change, the book had predicted the toxic AQI (air quality index).
The other prediction was that certain regions would be exploited for mining rare minerals and natural elements. We see similar exploitation of the basic human rights of miners in Congo in the race to create the best smart technology.
Possibility of a Dune Third Sequel
Director Denis Villeneuve wants the characters to flesh out their truest form throughout the story. He believes that a trilogy will justify the actions of the people involved rather than a hasty conclusion.
Co-writer Jon Spaihts sat down with Playlist to discuss the trilogy–
“Dune Messiah picks up years after the close of Dune, and yes, Denis has talked seriously about making that film as well, as a conclusion of the trilogy. Dune Messiah is a very interesting book, which in some ways, deconstructs Dune and plays as a cautionary tale, even more than Dune does, about the dangers of blending religion and politics, the hazards of following charismatic leaders, and the dangerous struggle that’s always alive between the individual and institutions.”
Jon Spaihts
Dune Part 2 Trailer
Dune Part 2 Cast
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Zendaya as Chani
- Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides
- Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
- Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
- Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino
- Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen
- Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat
- Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot
- Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
- Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam
- Javier Bardem as Stilgar
- Tim Blake Nelson
- Molly Mcowan as Harpie #2
- Cecile Sinclair as Imperil Council 4
- Ana Cilas as Harpie
- Rex Adams as Harpie
Dune Part 2 Release Date
Dune Part 2 will hit the US theatres on 3rd November 2023. It will start steaming on digital platforms 45 days after the official release.
What do you think of the Dune Part 2 trailer? Did you like the first Dune Film?
Do you think a trilogy would be a better conclusion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
