At least fans of the first Dune movie knew that Part Two was coming as the film finished on an incredible cliffhanger. Though the likelihood of a sequel is high, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Part Two takes a similar approach.
Denis Villeneuve, the filmmaker, was adamant that he had to close the film in a manner that mirrored the conclusion of Frank Herbert’s book. The director said to io9, “I was stern.” “I was pretty sure that was the best course of action. That kind of powerful ending is my favourite kind of movie ending.
Continue reading and seeing Villeneuve’s analysis of the film’s conclusion below, along with his response about the extremely subtle appearance in Part 2.
Let’s Discuss “Dune” ‘s Magic Dick Theory.
After killing Feyd-Rautha at the end of Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides stakes his claim to become the galaxy’s next emperor. Chani, Paul’s Fremen girlfriend, is greatly offended when he subsequently proposes to marry Irulan, the daughter of the current emperor, in order to preserve his bloodline.
Paul intends to ignite a conflict by demolishing Arrakis’ spice fields after learning that the other galactic powers will not recognise his claim. A furious and defiant Chani departs from Paul and returns to the desert as the film closes, leaving this holy battle hanging in the balance.
Essentially, Paul has accepted his divine destiny and asserted his authority, albeit at the cost of the lady he cherishes and possibly the reason she fell in love with him in the first place. Villeneuve chose to wrap the film in a manner that is similar to Herbert’s book, even if it is a depressing conclusion that leaves a lot up to the viewer’s imagination. Here is the conversation we had.
Theodore Lussier, io9: You take that and proceed accordingly because Herbert’s novel finishes rather abruptly. With our fingers crossed, we should get Dune Messiah eventually, but in the unlikely event that it doesn’t, was it ever considered providing a little more closure at the conclusion of Part Two?
It was always like that, says Denis Villeneuve. Bringing this concept home was always the way it was. The concept [of] that which spirals out of hand. Such treachery, such loss. That was where I had to finish. I was very firm about that. I was positive that was the best course of action. That kind of powerful ending is my favourite kind of movie ending.
io9: How did you come up with the idea for Chani’s last picture?
Villeneuve: Yes, in the screenplay. It’s something I realised early on, and as I was writing the script—which, of course, I co-wrote with Jon Spaiths—this is an idea I brought up that I felt very comfortable with. It was the most fitting way to wrap up the film.
Anya Taylor-Joy portrays Paul’s unborn sister, Alia, in Dune: Part Two, which is another major spoiler. Villeneuve was quite circumspect when we had to question him about her small appearance in a single scene, one of Paul’s future visions.
io9: A friend and I were talking about Alia before the movie and wondering how she would fit in. Anya Taylor-Joy’s sudden appearance there was therefore quite intriguing. If you do end up doing Messiah, would she be able to play that part as well? due to rather erroneous ages.
Read More Articles
“Naked Gun” Reboot Starring Liam Neeson Will Be Released By Paramount in 2025
The Berlin Film Festival files criminal charges and rejects statements made by award winners.
Frank Herbert’s six Dune novels, about the popular science fiction series
Villeneuve: I met her while I was casting, so she was the person I had in mind for that part. It was an idea I had kicking around in the back of my head while I was writing. Furthermore, I adore it. It seems to be imagining possibilities for Dune Messiah. For me, it’s also rather exhilarating.
Well, but would she be included in that at that point?
Villeneuve: Unknown.
Visit our interview with Denis Villeneuve for the remainder of it, and see Dune: Part Two, which is currently showing in theatres. Though, given that we already discussed spoilers, hopefully you already did that.
Do you want to see more IO9 news?
See when the newest films and television shows from Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek will be released, as well as what’s coming up for the DC Universe and what Doctor Who’s future holds.
