Dune: Prophecy Can Bring The ‘Unfilmable’ Dune Movies To Life

Key Takeaways

• Dune: Prophecy lays the groundwork for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy and future adaptations of God Emperor of Dune.
• The series introduces key characters like Valya Harkonnen and hints at the rise of Leto II Atreides.
• Villeneuve may only adapt Dune Messiah, leaving the fate of Leto II and the future of the Duniverse uncertain.

As a die-hard fan of the Duniverse, I’ve been following the saga since I first read Frank Herbert’s masterpiece back in the 80s. The anticipation for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune was like a spice-fueled dream come true – and it didn’t disappoint! However, as much as I’d love to see the later books adapted, I understand why some consider God Emperor of Dune ‘unfilmable.’

Although it’s still relatively new, Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapke’s “Dune: Prophecy” seems to be indicating that all paths converge on Arrakis. The prequel series for Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” movies is shaping up to establish the events leading to Paul Atreides, as it appears destined to set up key elements for his “Dune: Part Three” and his intention to conclude the saga with a trilogy.

Besides Denis Villeneuve’s franchise, David Lynch also presented his interpretation of ‘Dune’ in 1984. The Sci-Fi Channel aired adaptations titled ‘Frank Herbert’s Dune’ and ‘Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune’ in 2000 and 2003 respectively. To date, the cinematic or television portrayals have only reached up to the events depicted in Frank Herbert’s ‘Children of Dune’ novel. However, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ is now paving the way for the challenging adaptation of ‘God Emperor of Dune’.

Dune: Prophecy Acknowledges God Emperor of Dune

Although the movie “Dune: Prophecy” takes place millennia before the Dune films starring Timothée Chalamet, it shares several connections. Baron Harrow Harkonnen, played by Edward Davis, is as cunning as the character Baron Vladimir Harkonnen portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård in the newer movies. Additionally, Emily Watson’s Valya Harkonnen hints at the origin of the Voice. Furthermore, there’s a subtle reference to the contentious “God Emperor of Dune” storyline as well.

The story of Dune: Prophecy begins as a young Valya (Jessica Barden), known then as she was not yet called, stands beside the ailing Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson). On her deathbed, Raquella whispers her final words to Valya.

Raquella observes two radiant blue orbs that suggest the ascension of Paul Atreides and the deterioration of the Bene Gesserit’s secret scheme to dominate the Imperium. Yet, their apprehension about “a divine retribution instigated by a despot” is an allusion to Paul’s son, Leto II Atreides. While his supporters affectionately called him the God Emperor, his adversaries, including the Bene Gesserit, derisively labeled him the Ruler of the Known Universe.

In the story of “Dune,” the character Leto II, portrayed by Oscar Isaac in the film and James McAvoy in the Sci-Fi Channel adaptation, rules for a vast period following Paul’s disappearance into the desert of Arrakis. Although he is not expected to have a significant role in Villeneuve’s upcoming trilogy, Leto II appears as a child in “Dune Messiah.” As a pivotal figure in the franchise, Leto II transforms into a hybrid of human and sandworm, much like the giant sandworm that is shown destroying the Sisterhood temple on Wallach IX in the Mother Superior’s vision, which seems to hint at events depicted in “God Emperor of Dune.

In the novel “Dune: Prophecy,” Tiran-Arafel is mentioned too. Notably, ‘arafel’ is among the last words spoken by Leto II before his assassination in “God Emperor of Dune.” Just prior to his final breath, Leto II utters the word ‘arafel.’

According to Quinn’s Ideas on YouTube, I’ve come across an intriguing term in Hebrew known as “arafel,” which signifies foggy or mysterious aspects about God that are beyond our comprehension. In the realm of Dune, it gets referred to as a ‘cloud-darkness of divine justice,’ serving as a harbinger of apocalyptic events for humanity. The novel Prophecy gives this concept an interesting twist by prefixing ‘tiran’ to it, implying that a tyrant will orchestrate the end times.

In the storyline, it’s understandable that the Bene Gesserit feel concerned about both Paul and Leto II since their intervention in creating the Kwisatz Haderach led to Leto II’s birth, which may not have happened otherwise. During Leto II’s reign, the Bene Gesserit lose control over their breeding program and are given restricted amounts of spice to maintain loyalty to him. However, in Frank Herbert’s second-to-last book, “Heretics of Dune,” set 1,500 years after Leto II’s demise, the Bene Gesserit regain some power. Nevertheless, they remain subjugated for a considerable period following his death.

Why is God Emperor of Dune ‘Unfilmable’?

In a similar vein to how HBO has expanded the world of Game of Thrones through prequels, sequels, and a new film, it seems unlikely that Warner Bros. will abandon the revitalized Dune intellectual property. However, the challenges associated with adapting God Emperor of Dune and subsequent books are apparent. During an interview with Empire magazine, Villeneuve hinted that his third movie might focus on adapting Dune Messiah.

In the upcoming film “Dune: Part Two,” Alia Atreides, Paul’s sister portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, seems set to play a significant role, much like she does in the original novels. However, it appears that Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” trilogy may conclude their story, possibly ending with Paul, who becomes blind, venturing into the desert to live as a hermit.

In a surprising twist, the films have achieved success not only due to their starring role for Timothee Chalamet’s character Paul, but it’s important to note that Paul Atreides has never been the central figure of the Dune universe. The shift in focus towards Valya in Dune: Prophecy and moving away from House Atreides demonstrates that a successful adaptation doesn’t necessarily require Muad’dib. As for the future, it’s uncertain whether Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy will be the concluding chapter or if someone else will carry on exploring the more bizarre elements of Frank Herbert’s book and the sequels penned by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

The success of Star Wars demonstrates it can thrive without Luke Skywalker, particularly as Daisy Ridley’s Rey has become its main focus in the new trilogy. On the other hand, introducing Leto II and Ghanima from God Emperor of Dune might feel forced unless their storylines are continued from where they left off. Interestingly, Star Wars managed to keep its legacy characters alive in the sequels, while readers often find the story increasingly specialized after Messiah. Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho in his ghola (clone) form and the Bene Tleilax offer some continuation, but many share Villeneuve’s view that it gets more niche-oriented post-Messiah.

Even though the studio may not be ready to risk producing ‘unfilmable’ versions of God Emperor of Dune, hints and premonitions in films like Dune: Prophecy and Dune: Part Three act as delightful Easter eggs for disappointed fans who fear that they won’t see the later books come to life on screen. However, if the Dune movies continue to rake in money at the box office while reminding everyone of God Emperor of Dune’s existence, audiences might eventually find themselves watching a two and a half hour CGI sandworm.

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2024-11-27 03:06