The Dune films are based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel Dune. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the franchise is planned as a trilogy, with Dune (2021) introducing audiences to the universe, Dune: Part Two (2024) continuing Paul Atreides’ rise to power, and a third film expected in 2026 to conclude the story.
The first film is an introduction to the Dune universe, following Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), heir to House Atreides, as his family is assigned to oversee Arrakis, a desert planet and the universe’s only source of spice—a substance that enhances consciousness, extends life, sharpen mental abilities, and helps navigators safely travel across space. However, the Atreides’ control over Arrakis is short-lived, as they are betrayed and ambushed by their enemies, House Harkonnen. Paul’s father, Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac), is assassinated, forcing Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), to flee into the desert, where they seek refuge with the native Fremen. As Paul experiences prophetic visions that hint at his destiny, he adapts to the Fremen way of life and earns their respect by defeating a warrior named Jamis in ritual combat. The film ends with Paul being fully accepted into the Fremen, setting up his path to power and the greater battle for Arrakis in Dune: Part Two.
Picking up where the first film left off, Dune: Part Two sees Paul and Jessica journey deeper into Fremen society as they evade attacks from the Harkonnen. While some Fremen remain skeptical of Paul, their military leader Stilgar believes he is the Mahdi—a prophesied savior destined to bring peace and prosperity to Arrakis. Meanwhile, Jessica is pressured into becoming the Fremen’s new Reverend Mother, undergoing a deadly ritual involving the Water of Life. She survives, gaining the collective memories of past Reverend Mothers and a telepathic bond with her unborn daughter, Alia. Paul, however, remains wary of fully embracing the prophecy, as his visions foreshadow a violent war.
As Paul integrates further into Fremen culture, he grows closer to Chani (Zendaya), a warrior who rejects the idea of him being the Mahdi and views the prophecy as a means of control. Meanwhile, the Harkonnens escalate their efforts to control Arrakis, with the gnarly Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), nephew of the Baron (the big bald guy), taking command. Feyd proves his brutality by executing prisoners in a public gladiator-style fight, while the Bene Gesserit—a powerful group of manipulative women—seek to secure their influence by arranging a union between him and one of their own.
Paul’s journey takes a turn when he reunites with Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin), a surviving Atreides warrior, who reveals the existence of hidden nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, a Harkonnen attack on a northern Fremen stronghold forces an evacuation. Paul is then taken to the south and is forced to drink the Water of Life—traditionally fatal to men—but survives, unlocking deeper and clearer visions of the past and future. He uncovers truths about his lineage, including seeing his sister on an Arrakis filled with water, and learning that his mother is the Baron’s daughter.
With this newfound clarity, Paul fully embraces his role as the Mahdi and leads a united Fremen force. He orchestrates an all-out attack against the Harkonnens and the Emperor’s forces, using sandworms, nuclear weapons, and brute force to overwhelm his enemies. Paul then crashes a meeting between the Baron and the Emperor, killing the Baron and demanding the throne. Feyd-Rautha, representing the Emperor, challenges Paul to a duel, but Paul emerges victorious, forcing the Emperor to surrender. However, his claim to the throne is immediately contested by the Great Houses of the galaxy, triggering a war.
The film ends with Paul assuming control of the empire, but at a personal and moral cost. His rise to power, once seen as a means of liberation, now appears to be the beginning of a devastating conflict, setting the stage for the trilogy’s final chapter.
Dune: Part Two (2024) Awards:
Academy Awards (97th Oscars) – 5 Nominations, 2 Wins
- Won: Best Sound – Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett, and Doug Hemphill
- Won: Best Visual Effects – Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, and Gerd Nefzer
- Nominated: Best Picture
- Nominated: Best Cinematography – Greig Fraser
- Nominated: Best Production Design – Patrice Vermette and Shane Vieau
Golden Globes (82nd Golden Globes) – 2 Nominations, 0 Wins
- Nominated: Best Motion Picture – Drama
- Nominated: Best Original Score – Hans Zimmer
British Academy Film Awards (78th BAFTAs) – 7 Nominations, 2 Wins
- Won: Best Sound – Ron Bartlett, Doug Hemphill, Gareth John, and Richard King
- Won: Best Special Visual Effects – Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Gerd Nefzer, and Rhys Salcombe
- Nominated: Best Director – Denis Villeneuve
- Nominated: Best Cinematography – Greig Fraser
- Nominated: Best Editing – Joe Walker
- Nominated: Best Make Up & Hair – Love Larson and Eva von Bahr
- Nominated: Best Production Design – Patrice Vermette and Shane Vieau
