Dune 2 does the impossible in a post-Star Wars and Star Trek world, forging a new path for sci-fi movies

EntertainmentMoviesSci-Fi MoviesDune 2Dune 2 does the impossible in a post-Star Wars and Star Trek world, forging a new path for sci-fi moviesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentMoviesSci-Fi MoviesDune 2Dune 2 does the impossible in a post-Star Wars and Star Trek world, forging a new path for sci-fi moviesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Warner Bros.) Arriving with the immense might of one of its sandworms,Dune 2hasn’t just wowed us, it’s opened up new opportunities for sci-fi cinema. Smartly written, carefully designed, and packing the most emotion of any Denis Villeneuve film, Part Two concludes the French-Canadian director’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic 1965 novel with the inventive, explosive energy that it deserves. It’s got us thinking that more difficult, lore-heavy, and cerebral sci-fi classics will now make it to the big screen. But it wasn’t an easy road gettingDune: Part Twoto us. Audiences may not be aware how unlikely it is for a vision-led $190 million blockbuster like it to be made – Villeneuve’s passion for the often deemed “unfilmable” novel had to wait until he had built studio confidence over the last ten years. He had to convince them that there would actually be an audience to watch the film, and that it would only work in two 2.5 hour parts that he had full creative control over. Another galaxy (Image credit: Warner Bros.) But even though Villeneuve had a reputation for stunning sci-fi - and it turned out that audiences were hungry for 5 hours of spiritual and political stories on Arrakis - the director faced another huge obstacle. As a sci-fi classic, the novel Dune is so beloved and influential that film and television have been borrowing its designs and motifs for nearly 60 years. And in a climate whereStar WarsandStar Trekhave been titans for decades, Dune needed to work overtime to feel original after the sci-fi genre had cribbed its most inventive ideas. Think about it: Arrakis is a sparse desert planet like Tatooine, the Harkonnens are a brutal clan oppressing native planets like the Empire. There’s a shadowy, shifting power hierarchy just like throughout the Skywalker Saga. The Bene Gesserit command superhuman abilities through intense, meditative training just like the Jedi, Paul is able to wield these powers stronger than anyone, and like the original trilogy’s hero, is a hidden descendant of nobility who wants to avenge his father. He even has the ‘normal first name + space surname’ combination of Luke Skywalker. The spaceships, the faster-than-light travel, the rebel forces – even if George Lucas didn’t lift directly from Herbert’s classic, the sheer size of Dune around the time he was crafting his galactic adventures meant that the book’s big, sandy concepts were popular and appealing. Dune’s un-adaptability likely contributed to it being looted over the years – if it’s unlikely it’ll ever faithfully make it to screens, what’s the harm in nicking elements for more accessible films? Another frontier (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures) What about Star Trek? The long-running franchise debuted just a year after Dune was published, meaning it was maybe too soon for Herbert’s work to be an influence on Gene Roddenberry’s vision. Even in concept, Dune and Trek are at odds – Herbert was interested in empire and abuses of power, Trek wanted to map out a utopian, non-spiritual galaxy where diplomacy and logic prevailed. But there are 900 episodes of Star Trek, and the show has reinvented itself many times over the years – one of the joys of it is that the small-scale, episodic nature of the exploration show means that classic sci-fi concepts can be visited in bite-sized form and fleshed out on a rolling basis. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox Changing the game (Image credit: Warner Bros.) Do you rememberJohn CarterandValerian and the City of a Thousand Planets? We don’t blame you if you don’t, they were massive flops. One of the reasons why they failed to connect to audiences was that, despite adapting some of the most defining space operas in the genre, every iconic sci-fi film had already done more interesting things with its story and ideas. These films weren’t creative enough to stop us from returning to our favorite Star Wars movies, and for Dune to cause massive waves, Villeneuve had to focus on what set Herbert’s story apart from the mega-franchises that rule audiences’ perception of the genre. And when the film adapts the novel’s climactic scene, where all those struggling for power on Arrakis gather in the Arrakeen palace and decide on the planet’s future, there is none of the calm, dependable logic that Picard and other Star Trek captains were known for. Unlike the Vulcans, the Fremen story is fuelled with emotion, the coup on the Harkonnens has a righteousness that, as Chani realises, has clouded Paul’s quest for justice. It’s more Game of Thrones than the final frontier – with deeply set politics that have to be accepted rather than challenged. Forging a new path (Image credit: Warner Bros.) Part Two opens the door for sci-fi classics that have always been viewed as unadaptable or outdated – any story can feel fresh if you don’t view its dense nature as an obstacle to work around, but something a filmmaker thinks an audience will respond to. In terms of challenging adaptations, the sleeper has most definitely been awakened – Dune: Part Two has forged a new path for sci-fi cinema to elevate familiar stories into something no-one has seen or felt before. Dune: Part Two is out now in theaters worldwide. 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lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”