Star Wars might be the most popular space opera franchise of all time, but, the galaxy far, far away was inspired by Frank Herbert’s Dune. Written in 1965, Dune was the first installment of Herbert’s richly detailed and multi-layered Dune Saga. Considered to be one of the best science-fiction novels of all time, Dune had won the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award upon its release.
Dune is widely considered by critics to be the only franchise that can rival Lord of The Rings, which is a massive feat by any standards. The rich mythos of Dune is a daunting task to recreate on the silver screen. In 1974, Alexandro Jodorowsky tried to adapt the story with his own personal inputs. Unfortunately, the movie never developed from its pre-production phase. However, the hours utilized for scriptwriting did help in creating one of the greatest movies of all time; Alien.
Also see: All Upcoming 2020 Sci-Fi Movies Ranked In Chronological Order
A decade later, surrealist director David Lynch tried to adapt the epic saga on the silver screen. Unfortunately, the movie bombed at the box-office, as it was considered to be quite hard to follow. David Lynch’s choice to not stay faithful to the novel was heavily criticized by fans and critics.
Also see: The Cast of Dune 1984 vs Dune 2020
After two colossal failures to adapt Dune on the big screen, the story was often considered by people to be unadaptable. Yet, rising to the occasion, the French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve is the new flag-bearer of the beloved science-fiction saga. His illustrious career with not a single mediocre movie to his name has made him a popular figure in recent years. However, the ridiculously humongous world of Dune is still a challenge for the auteur director. But if the trailer is to be believed, Frank Hebert’s Dune saga seems to be in safe hands for now.
As the novels were released decades ago, it’s safe to assume that a lot of people might not have read them. Though we would definitely recommend reading them before December, not everyone has the bandwidth to delve into the world of Dune straight away. But, fear not, as we will explain everything you need to know about Dune along with a complete trailer breakdown for your enhanced movie experience once it releases.
Set in a far-flung future, Dune is quite different from most space opera franchises for its lack of robots and ultra-futuristic technology. After the war between robots and humans, a law was declared to not create any robot resembling a human or possessing human-like intelligence. As a result, humans themselves have achieved incredible abilities.
After conquering space travel, planets in the Dune universe are ruled by royal families. A feudalistic setting, Dune is more of a socio-political commentary instead of being a true blue science-fiction novel. In the vast and cold space, there lies a planet named Arrakis, which is more commonly called as Dune. The desert planet plays an integral role in the story as it is the only source of a special spice named Melange.
The spice is extremely important for the survival of the human race as it grants superhuman abilities when consumed. A geriatric substance, Melange can extend lifespan, grant users the ability to calculate incredibly difficult problems, and enable prescience which helps in safe interstellar travel. The highly addictive drug has a fatal withdrawal effect. However, the spice is the most prized product in Dune.
The main character of Dune is Paul Atreides, the scion of House Atreides. The son of Duke Leto Atreides and his concubine Lady Jessica, Paul is next in line to rule the royal family. House Atreides is based on the ocean planet of Caladan. However, Duke Leto Atreides is assigned by the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV to manage the production and harvesting of Melange on Arrakis.
Though a lucrative position, the risk associated with Arrakis is quite high. Also, Emperor Shaddam IV considers House Atreides as a threat. Having conspired with House Harkonnen, the Emperor wishes to end the lineage of House Atreides once they arrive on Arrakis.
Being the son of Reverend Mother Lady Jessica, Paul Atreides has inherited some abilities of the Bene Gesserit which allows him clairvoyance. As the primary protagonist, Paul Atreides undergoes a journey of self-discovery as he rallies against the tyrannical House Harkonnen.
Developed on the basic premises of politics, feudal system, and treachery, Dune is an exciting journey that explores the story of Paul Atreides as he slowly ascends the hierarchy to exact revenge. Instead of spoiling the entire plot, here is a spoiler-free trailer breakdown that will definitely keep you hooked.
1. Duke Leto Atreides
The current ruler of House Atreides, Duke Leto Atreides is played by Oscar Isaac in the upcoming movie. As the ruler of one of the most powerful royal families, his existence is a threat to Emperor Shadam IV. As a result, Duke Leto is assigned to the harsh desert planet of Arrakis in order to wipe out his lineage in a swift attack.
2. Ocean Planet Caladan
Inhabited by House Atreides and its subjects, the Ocean Planet Caladan is shown for a brief few seconds in the trailer. As Duke Leto is assigned to Arrakis, House Atreides, and its army are shown to leave the ocean planet in gigantic spaceships.
3. Destruction of House Atreides on Dune
If the trailer is to be believed, House Atreides is destroyed on the desert planet of Arrakis by the combined forces of House Harkonnen and Sardaukar troops. In the scene, Paul Atreides and his mother Lady Jessica are shown to watch the destruction of their army. In the aftermath, the mother-son duo escapes to the dangerous desert for their survival.
4. Lady Jessica
Mother of Paul Atreides and concubine of Duke Leto Atreides, Lady Jessica belongs to a shadowy organization named Bene Gesserit. An exclusive sisterhood, the Bene Gesserit is involved with all royal families through its numerous members. A key social, political, and religious society, the members of Bene Gesserit undergo years of physical and mental training to gain abilities that seem superhuman to outsiders.
To influence royal families, members of Bene Gesserit often become wives or concubines of the rulers of these royal families and guide them on a path to enlightenment. In Dune, Lady Jessica is an acolyte member of the secret society and is called as Revered Mother.
5. The Gom Jabbar Test
In one of the scenes from the trailer, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is shown to put his hand inside a mysterious box. If he takes his hand out of the box, he will be killed by the woman who seems to be a member of the Bene Gesserit.
The Gom Jabbar Test is used to determine one’s human superiority. To evaluate Paul’s will, tolerance, and control, he feels an excruciating pain by keeping his hand inside the box. However, his survival depends on his tolerance for pain which will further explore his story.
6. The Holtzman Shield
In Dune, the Holtzman shield is a defensive energy field that protects the user from projectiles and weapons. A specialized energy field, the Holtzman shield can be calibrated to prevent attacks from penetrating the shield at high velocities.
However, the shield can only be penetrated at a velocity slower than the calibrated speed. As the shield is a fitting bodysuit, a certain range of velocity must be allowed to make it breathable. In the desert, the shield becomes ineffective as its vibrations can attract Sandworms. Also, the Sandworms are particularly infuriated by the vibration for unknown reasons.
7. Sardaukar on Salusa Secundus
The harsh planet of Salusa Secundus is home to dangerous beasts, difficult terrains, and harsh climate. The harshness of the planet made it a suitable place to be a prison for criminals. As a result, House Corrino imprisoned its criminals on the planet.
During the Padishah Emperor, Salusa Secundus became home to the fearsome Sardaukar troops. Known for their ruthless fighting prowess, the planet’s harsh conditions made them hardened soldiers.
8. Glossu Rabban Harkonnen
Played by Dave Bautista, Glossu Rabban Harkonnen is the nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. A sadistic and tyrannical member of House Harkonnen, Glossu Rabban is also known as the Beast and King Cobra by the Fremen people.
9. Suk Doctor Wellington Yueh
Chang Chen portrays the character of Suk Doctor Wellington Yueh in Dune. As a Suk Doctor, Yueh is conditioned to be incapable of taking a life. As royal physicians, they can be identified by a diamond on their forehead. However, Wellington Yueh plays an important role in the story because he can overcome his conditioning.
10. Duncan Idaho
The swordmaster of House Atreides, Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa) is a fearsome warrior who is faithful to both Duke Leto and Paul Atreides. As a master swordsman, he is entrusted to keep Paul safe in the harsh planet of Arrakis. He also teaches Paul Atreides alongside Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin).
11. The Iconic Stillsuit
In one scene, Paul Atreides is shown to be wearing the iconic Stillsuit to survive in the harsh climate of Arrakis. The design of the Stillsuit is taken from the book, which includes the mask and the nose tube. The suit is quite special and helpful as it traps the moisture leaving the body, purifies it, and returns it to the wearer.
12. Majestic Sandworm of Dune
The gigantic and fearsome Sandworms are the ones responsible for the creation of Melange. The larvae of these huge Sandworms produce the powerful Melange which is the central focus of the story. These creatures can reach up to 400 meters in size, being capable of devouring buildings.
The Sandworms are called as ‘The Maker’ or Shai-Hulud by the Fremen people living on Arrakis. To avoid detection, Melange harvesters often walk without rhythm. In the trailer, Paul faces the Sandworm, unfazed, indicating his future in the second part of Dune.
13. Chani Fremen
As one of the recurring visions of Paul Atreides, Chani is a member of the Fremen tribe of Arrakis. Played by Zendaya, Chani is the love interest and legal concubine of Paul Atreides in the novels. Chani is a fierce warrior who further enhances her prowess after training under Paul and Lady Jessica.
14. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
The primary nemesis of Duke Leto Atreides, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is the ruler of House Harkonnen. A cunning, evil, and sadistic ruler, Baron Vladimir reeks of moral decadence as he wishes to wipe out House Atreides using deceit. The primary antagonist of the movie, he is portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård.
15. The Fremen of Arrakis in Dune
The original tribe residing on Arrakis, the Fremen are led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem). The Fremen play a crucial role in the story as they give shelter to Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica after the destruction of House Atreides. Their eyes are shown to be bright blue due to long exposure to Melange on the sands of Arrakis.
Boasting an ensemble of Timothée Chalamet, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Dave Bautista, Chang Chen, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, David Dastmalchian, and Javier Bardem, Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune is arguably the grandest movie of 2020. With music director Hans Zimmer and cinematographer Greig Fraser (Zero Dark Thirty, Lion, The Batman, Rogue One), Dune just might become one of the best science-fiction movies of all time.
Dune is slated to be released on 18th December 2020 in theaters.
Official trailer for Dune Movie!
Posted by FandomWire Trailers on Wednesday, September 9, 2020
