Everything We Know About Dune Part 2

Warning: Contains SPOILERS from the Dune books.

Despite its extended runtime and in-depth world-building, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune only tells half the story of Frank Herbert’s original novel. Although the creative decision to split the story in half may frustrate some fans, it does emphasize the need for a follow-up. While Dune Part 2 is yet to be green-lit, the positive reception to the new movie means that a concluding chapter is looking increasingly likely.

The Dune story focuses on Paul Atreides, the teenage son of Duke Leto who travels to the desert planet Arrakis with his father. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is a desert planet and the only known center for the production of Spice – a mystical substance that can both heighten awareness and fuel interstellar travel. Although the Atreides head to Arrakis to reform Spice production and increase prosperity, it soon becomes clear that they have walked into a trap laid by the Padishah Emperor and their mortal enemies, the Harkonnens. Paul is forced to flee with his mother, the Lady Jessica (played by Rebecca Ferguson) before mustering a rebellious fighting force from the local people, the Fremen.

The novel itself concludes with the destruction of House Harkonnen and the installation of Paul – now known by his followers as Maud’dib – as the next Emperor. However, Villeneuve’s new movie finishes long before these events, and instead focuses on setting up the narrative and establishing the world of Dune. As a result, there is still much of the story left to be told in a future concluding film. Here’s everything that’s known about Dune Part 2 so far.

Why Dune Is Split Into Two Parts

Although Frank Herbert’s original 412-page novel is by no means the longest book to receive a theatrical adaptation, the universe it established is incredibly complex. In addition to the futuristic setting, the story incorporated elements of mysticism, philosophy, extrasensory perception, religion, genetics and technology. This means that any adaptation has to first indulge in extensive world-building in order to create something believable. By splitting the film into two parts, Villeneuve has given himself the best opportunity to deliver a faithful recreation that does justice to Herbert’s hallowed source material. This could also represent a lesson learned from David Lynch’s panned 1984 version, which attempted to do it all in just two hours and unsurprisingly fell short.

Dune Part 2 Cast: Who Would Return?

Several key characters would have to return for Dune Part 2 to be a success. Not only would Timothy Chalamet’s Paul Atreides need to feature prominently, but figures such as Javier Bardem’s Stilgar, Zandaya’s Chani and Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica will also need to play significant parts. However, should the film follow the book, several characters would not make return appearances. Oscar Isaac’s Duke Leto, for instance, would not appear unless in flashback form after his death at the hands of the Harkonnen’s. Nor would David Dastmalchian’s Piter De Vries or Jason Mamoa’s Duncan Idaho, after their own respective demises.

Dune Part 2 Story Details – What Happens In The Book?

The new movie covers roughly half of the original novel, up until Paul’s meeting with the Fremen tribe led by Stilgar. This means that Dune Part 2, should it actually happen, will be an action-packed blockbuster focused on the guerilla war between Paul’s Fremen and Arrakis’ Harkonnen oppressors. After a two-year conflict, Paul will eventually emerge victorious and even successfully depose the Emperor after he attempts to bring Arrakis to heel with the presence of his elite Sardaukar stormtroopers. This sets the stage for the wider Dune saga and the ascension of House Atreides.

Dune Part 2 Predicted Release Date

Although there has been no official confirmation of the sequel, plans for expanding the Dune series are already underway. Not only has screenwriter Eric Roth confirmed that a full treatment for Dune Part 2 has already been written, but director Denis Villeneuve revealed in an interview with Total Film (via Games Radar) that he is optimistic that the project will go ahead. As he explained, “it would need a really bad outcome at the box office to not have a Dune: Part Two, because (the studio) love the movie. They are proud of the movie, so they want the movie to move forward. And they still did half of it. So, you know, I’m very optimistic.” This means that, if filming starts in 2022, there’s a chance a follow-up could hit cinemas in 2023. However, at this stage, speculation about Dune Part 2 remains pure conjecture.

About The Author

Thomas Lethbridge
(133 Articles Published)

After an eclectic career incorporating scuba diving, cheffing and teaching, Tommy eventually found his calling as a writer. With an early focus on food, he now specialises in all aspects of entertainment. Despite being a Lord of the Rings and Alien obsessive, his real passion is for truly terrible movies. He loves anything with a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating and rarely passes up an opportunity to watch The Room. Tommy is based in London and joined the Screen Rant team in 2021.

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