Dune 2021 film trivia

The 2021 film adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic science-fiction novel, Dune, was one of the most highly-anticipated and ambitious projects in recent Hollywood history. The film faced numerous challenges in its development, including a daunting production schedule, a massive budget, and the weight of fan expectations. 

For decades, fans of the Dune book series had been waiting for a cinematic adaptation that would do justice to the rich and complex world created by Herbert. With previous attempts at adapting the book for the big screen falling short, the task of bringing Dune to life on film seemed nearly insurmountable.

Despite these challenges, director Denis Villeneuve and his talented cast and crew managed to create a stunning and epic vision of the Dune universe that has garnered critical acclaim and won over legions of fans. 

The film boasts breathtaking visuals, a gripping storyline, and a powerhouse cast that includes Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, and Rebecca Ferguson. But perhaps most impressively, the film manages to capture the spirit of Herbert's original novel while also adding new layers of depth and nuance.

Although Dune faced a daunting test from fans of the books, who were eager to see their beloved story brought to life in a faithful and respectful way, the film has been met with overwhelming praise from both critics and audiences. 

It has been hailed as a stunning achievement in the sci-fi genre, with many praising its stunning visuals, outstanding performances, and faithful adherence to the original source material. 

The success of the 2021 Dune film has not only breathed new life into Herbert's classic book series but has also set a new standard for big-budget sci-fi epics in Hollywood.

Here's some trivia about Dune 2021

• The 2021 Dune film is split into two parts to preserve the original story. The first part was produced with the option of a sequel, which was greenlit after the film's opening.
• David Lynch, the director of the 1984 version of Dune, has no interest in the 2021 version, citing painful memories of making the original and the lack of control he had over the final product.
• Composer Hans Zimmer turned down working on Tenet (2020) with Christopher Nolan to score Dune, a novel he's always been a fan of. Denis Villeneuve also turned down the Bond film No Time to Die (2021) to direct Dune.
• Director Denis Villeneuve has dreamt of adapting Dune for the big screen since reading the novel at age 12. He waited until he had experience in the science-fiction genre with Arrival (2016) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017) before making the film.
• The film was shot on location in Stadlandet, Norway, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi.
• Composer Hans Zimmer spent a week in the deserts of Utah to capture sounds for the score.
• Linguistics expert David J. Peterson helped create the Fremen language for the movie, as he did for the languages of Dothraki and Valyrian in Game of Thrones
• Stellan Skarsgård, who played Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, spent seven hours each day in makeup to look like a "rhino in human form."
• Director Denis Villeneuve spent a year designing the sandworms to ensure that they looked prehistoric. The sandworms in the film were created through computer-generated imagery with a design inspired by whales with a mouth filled with baleen. The film uses over two thousand visual effect shots.
• The first trailer for the film featured a version of Pink Floyd's "Eclipse" by composer Hans Zimmer, as a nod to Alejandro Jodorowsky's proposed adaptation of Dune in the 1970s, for which he wanted the band to write the score.
• The Great Houses mentioned in the movie originally come from Earth, which explains the use of Latin and Dutch terms, and the Atreides family's use of bull imagery. In the extended universe, an ancient Atreides ancestor traced his lineage back to the Greek King Atreus.
• Fight coordinator Roger Yuan based House Atreides' fighting style on Filipino martial arts, while House Harkonnen's style is based on ancient Mongolian fighting styles. The Sardaukar's fighting style is inspired by the samurai of feudal Japan and the úlfhéðnar guard of the Norwegian king Harald Fairhair.
• In this movie, all the Harkonnen are depicted as bald, while in the 1984 film adaptation, they were all depicted as red-haired.
• The story takes place in the year 10,191 After Guild (AG) of the Universal Standard Calendar (USC), which roughly translates to the year 23,352 AD. However, there are no mentions of leap years, and the length of a USC year is 20 hours shorter than an Earth year.
• The character Feyd-Rautha, who was played by Sting in David Lynch's Dune (1984), was considered for a cameo/small role in the 2021 adaptation but was omitted.
• Cinematographer Greig Fraser revealed that the film was originally shot digitally on the ARRI Alexa LF, then transferred onto 35mm film and then scanned back to digital.
• Denis Villeneuve's third consecutive science fiction film after Arrival (2016) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017).
• Charlotte Rampling dubbed herself for the French version of the film.
• Roger Deakins was initially set to be the director of photography, but Greig Fraser took up the reins.

• The character of Liet Kynes, portrayed by Sharon Duncan-Brewster, has been gender-swapped from the books.
• Composer Hans Zimmer got his 11th Oscar nomination for Best Musical Score for this movie, and it earned him the second Oscar of his long career, 27 years after The Lion King (1994).
• Kyle MacLachlan, who played Paul in the 1984 Dune film, supported Timothée Chalamet's casting as Paul Atreides and expressed interest in a cameo in a sequel.
• The makeup for Paul and Lady Jessica was kept clean and polished, in contrast to the prosthetic-heavy characters.
• Javier Bardem, who played a Bond villain in Skyfall, is now the third Bond villain
• The plot of the 2021 film is told in 98 of the 137 minutes of the 1984 Dune film and 104 of the 270 minutes of the 2000 Dune mini-series.
• Due to scheduling, there was no makeup test for Zendaya's Fremen character, so her look was designed the night before shooting.
• A version of the main theme from the 1984 Dune film appears in the 2021 adaptation.
• Gurney Halleck's small book seen in the movie represents the "Orange Catholic Bible," the main religious text of the Imperium. It is a fusion of the great ancient beliefs of Earth, with what seemed an emphasis on Islamic roots.
• The desert mouse that Paul Atreides encounters in the open desert was not in the 1984 Dune movie.
• Lady Jessica's dress, the Reverend Mother's dress, and the seal wax used by Bene Gesserit all have the same pattern during the meeting with representatives of high houses.

Dune 2022 Academy Award Winners List

"Dune" is a 2021 science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve and adapted from Frank Herbert's novel of the same name. 

The film has received several Academy Award nominations and wins, which is a remarkable achievement for a sci-fi film, given the Academy's historical reluctance to recognize the genre.

Here are the 10 Academy Award nominations and wins that "Dune" received:

1. Best Picture - Nominated
• Producers: Cale Boyter, Joe Caracciolo Jr., Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve
2. Best Director - Nominated (Denis Villeneuve)
• Director: Denis Villeneuve
3. Best Original Score - Nominated (Hans Zimmer)
• Music by: Hans Zimmer
4. Best Sound - Won
• Sound: Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill
5. Best Cinematography - Won (Greig Fraser)
• Cinematography: Greig Fraser
6. Best Production Design - Won (Patrice Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos)
• Production Design: Patrice Vermette
• Set Decoration: Zsuzsanna Sipos
7. Best Visual Effects - Won (Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Cox, and Gerd Nefzer)
• Visual Effects: Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Cox, and Gerd Nefzer
8. Best Makeup and Hairstyling - Won (Donald Mowat and Love Larson)
• Makeup and Hairstyling: Donald Mowat and Love Larson
9. Best Costume Design - Nominated
• Costume Design: Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan
10. Best Film Editing - Nominated
• Film Editing: Joe Walker

As we can see, "Dune" received a total of 10 nominations, which is a significant achievement for a sci-fi film.

Moreover, the film won six Oscars, including Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Soundtrack (Hans Zimmer).

It's worth noting that sci-fi films have traditionally struggled to gain recognition from the Academy. The genre has often been seen as lowbrow and lacking in artistic merit, with few exceptions. Despite this, "Dune" managed to receive several nominations and six wins, which is a testament to the film's quality and the skill of its cast and crew.

Furthermore, it may signal a potential shift in the Academy's attitudes towards sci-fi films, and we may see more recognition for the genre in the future.

In addition to the Academy Awards nominations and wins, "Dune" also received several nominations and wins at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) and other award ceremonies. Here's a list of the nominations and wins:

BAFTA Awards

• Best Film - Nominated
• Best Director - Nominated (Denis Villeneuve)
• Best Cinematography - Won (Greig Fraser)
• Best Production Design - Won (Patrice Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos)
• Best Special Visual Effects - Won (Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Cox, and Gerd Nefzer)
• Best Sound - Nominated
• Best Original Score - Nominated (Hans Zimmer)
• Best Makeup and Hair - Nominated (Donald Mowat and Love Larson)
• Best Costume Design - Nominated
• Best Editing - Nominated

Critics' Choice Awards

• Best Director - Nominated (Denis Villeneuve)
• Best Cinematography - Won (Greig Fraser)
• Best Production Design - Won (Patrice Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos)
• Best Visual Effects - Nominated
• Best Score - Nominated (Hans Zimmer)

Satellite Awards

• Best Art Direction and Production Design - Won (Patrice Vermette and Zsuzsanna Sipos)
• Best Cinematography - Won (Greig Fraser)
• Best Sound - Won

Quotes from Dune 2021

Dune, the science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert, has been considered a masterpiece of the genre since its publication in 1965. It has garnered a large following over the years, with fans drawn to its intricate world-building, political intrigue, and philosophical themes.

With the success of the book, many have attempted to adapt it to other mediums, including film and television (e.g. Children of Dune). However, none have been able to capture the essence of the novel quite like the latest adaptation directed by Denis Villeneuve, which was released in 2021. The anticipation for this film was high, with fans of the book eager to see their favorite characters and settings brought to life on the big screen. 

The success of this adaptation rested on the ability of the filmmakers to stay true to the source material while also making it accessible to a wider audience. With stunning visuals, a talented cast, and a faithful interpretation of the story, the 2021 version of Dune has been praised by fans and critics alike, solidifying its place as a modern science fiction classic.

Quotes from the 2021 film Dune directed by DenisVilleneuve, grouped by character and house:

House Atreides

• Duke Leto Atreides: "The spice must flow." (This is a recurring quote throughout the movie that refers to the importance of the spice melange, which is only found on the desert planet of Arrakis and is necessary for space travel and other technologies.)
• "A great man doesn't seek to lead; he is called to it. But if your answer is no, you'd still be the only thing I ever needed you to be: my son."
• "We are House Atreides. There is no call we do not answer. There is no faith that we betray. The Emperor asks us to bring peace to Arrakis. House Atreides accepts!"
• Duke Leto Atreides: "The future of House Atreides rests on you." (Said to his son, Paul, who is the heir to the Atreides family.)
• Duke Leto Atreides: "Fear is the mind-killer." (Said to Paul as a lesson in controlling his emotions and fears.)
Lady Jessica: "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings obliteration. I will face my fear and I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past... I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
• Lady Jessica: "My son will be the ruler of Arrakis and its people." (Said to the Reverend Mother, who is testing Paul's abilities.)
• Duke Leto Atreides: "When you look into the abyss, you must not blink." (Said to Paul when discussing the dangers of ruling Arrakis.)
• Paul Atreides: "The future I saw, it's true." (Said to Lady Jessica after experiencing a prophetic vision.)
• Gurney Halleck: "The Harkonnens will not give up Arrakis without a fight." (Said to Paul as they prepare for battle.)
• Paul Atreides: "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer." (Repeating the lesson he learned from Lady Jessica.)

 

House Harkonnen

• Baron Vladimir Harkonnen: "Bring in the driller." (Said as he prepares to attack House Atreides.)
• Glossu Rabban: "We're Harkonnens. We don't need a reason to kill." (Said to a Fremen leader, showing the ruthless nature of the Harkonnen family.)
• Piter De Vries: "The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness." (Said while talking to the Baron about the value of the spice.)
• Baron Vladimir Harkonnen: "Give my regards to the House Atreides." (Said sarcastically to Duke Leto Atreides before ordering his attack.)
• Glossu Rabban: "They call you the 'Kwisatz Haderach'? That's cute." (Said to Paul, mocking his status as a prophesized messiah.)
• Piter De Vries: "I enjoy pain, didn't you know?" (Said to the Baron when asked about his torture methods.)

 

Fremen

• Chani: "He's dreaming. He'll be insane within a month." (Said about Paul, who has been having prophetic dreams.)
• Stilgar: "The spice is vital to space travel. The Spacing Guild demands it." (Said to Paul to explain the importance of the spice.)
• Liet-Kynes: "The spice is not just in the sand. It's in the air, the water, the food. It's everywhere." (Said to Paul to explain the ubiquity of the spice on Arrakis.)
• Jamis: "The sleeper has awakened." (Said to Paul after he defeats Jamis in combat and earns the respect of the Fremen.)
• Fremen Chorus: "We are the Fremen, the people of the open desert." (Said during a traditional Fremen chant.)
• Chani: "The future is already written. We can only change the past." (Said to Paul when discussing the inevitability of events.)
• Stilgar: "You are the leader of the Fremen now." (Said to Paul after he earns the respect of the Fremen.)
• Dr. Liet-Kynes: "We have to change the way we live. Otherwise, we will not survive." (Said to Paul when discussing the environmental impact of harvesting the spice.) 

Others

• Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam: "You've never sat down with a Mentat before, have you?" (Said to Lady Jessica, referring to the mental abilities of the Atreides family's advisor, Thufir Hawat.)
• Thufir Hawat: "To play the game, you must understand the moves." (Said to Paul as he teaches him about the political intricacies of Arrakis.)
• Dr. Liet-Kynes: "The balance of the universe is a delicate thing." (Said to Paul as they discuss the ecological impact of harvesting the spice.)
• Dr. Wellington Yueh: "I serve the Duke." (Said when he is taken hostage by the Harkonnens and forced to betray the Atreides family.)
• Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam: "The Kwisatz Haderach could be our messiah." (Said to the Bene Gesserit council when discussing Paul's potential.)
• Thufir Hawat: "I would lay down my life for the Duke." (Said to Paul when discussing his loyalty to House Atreides.)
• Dr. Wellington Yueh: "The tooth. The poison's in the tooth." (Said to the Baron when discussing his plan to betray the Atreides family.)
• Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam: "The Kwisatz Haderach could be our messiah." (Said to the Bene Gesserit council when discussing Paul's potential.)
• Thufir Hawat: "I would lay down my life for the Duke." (Said to Paul when discussing his loyalty to House Atreides.)
• Dr. Wellington Yueh: "The tooth. The poison's in the tooth." (Said to the Baron when discussing his plan to betray the Atreides family.)

These quotes provide some insight into the motivations, values, and beliefs of the various characters and factions in the movie, as well as the importance of the spice to the overall plot.

 

Every officially published "Dune" related novel grouped by author

The original "Dune" novels written by Frank Herbert have been a massive success since the first book was published in 1965. "Dune" became a bestseller, won both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novel, and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

The novel's success continued with the sequels, "Dune Messiah," "Children of Dune," "God Emperor of Dune," "Heretics of Dune," and "Chapterhouse: Dune," which were also well-received and sold well.

In terms of fan acceptance and critical reception, the prequel novels written by son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have been more divisive. While some fans have enjoyed these books and appreciate the additional world-building and insights into the characters and universe, others have criticized them for deviating from Frank Herbert's original vision and writing style. 

The prequels have also received mixed reviews from critics.

Our personal favorite is The Butleran Jihad.

Despite the mixed response, the prequel novels have been successful in terms of sales. The first prequel, "House Atreides," was a New York Times bestseller, and subsequent prequels, including "House Harkonnen," "House Corrino," "The Butlerian Jihad," "The Machine Crusade," "The Battle of Corrin," and "Sisterhood of Dune," have also sold well.

Overall, the "Dune" series, both the original novels and the prequels, have left a lasting impact on science fiction and have garnered a dedicated fan base that continues to be engaged with the series.

Here is a comprehensive list of every officially published "Dune" related novel or book, grouped by author:

1. Frank Herbert:

a. Dune (1965) - The first novel in the series follows the story of Paul Atreides, a young nobleman who becomes the leader of the Fremen, a desert-dwelling people on the planet Arrakis, also known as Dune. The story is set in a distant future in which noble houses rule the galaxy and the most valuable substance is a drug called "spice", found only on Arrakis.

b. Dune Messiah (1969) - The second novel in the seriescontinues the story of Paul Atreides, now the Emperor of the known universe. It explores the consequences of Paul's actions in the first book and the struggles of his rule.

c. Children of Dune (1976) - The third novel in the seriestakes place many years after the events of the first two books and follows the lives of Paul's children, Leto and Ghanima Atreides, who possess special abilities inherited from their father.

d. God Emperor of Dune (1981) - The fourth novel in the series is set 3,500 years after the events of the first three books and followsthe rule of Leto II, the son of Paul Atreides, who has become a hybrid creature as a result of his ingestion of the spice.

e. Heretics of Dune (1984) - The fifth novel in the series is set 1,500 years after the events of God Emperor of Dune and explores the struggles of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful group of women who have been manipulating human history for centuries.

f. Chapterhouse: Dune (1985) - The sixth and final novel in the series is set immediately after the events of Heretics of Dune and follows the Bene Gesserit as they struggle to survive and preserve their knowledge on a hostile world.

2. Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson:

a. Prelude to Dune trilogy:

• Dune: House Atreides (1999) - The first novel in the trilogy takes place several decades before the events of Dune and follows the early years of the Atreides family, including the childhood of Paul Atreides.
• Dune: House Harkonnen (2000) - The second novel in the trilogy explores the history and motivations of the Harkonnen family, who are the traditional enemies of the Atreides.
• Dune: House Corrino (2001) - The third and final novel in the trilogy focuses on the political struggles of the Emperor and his family.

b. Legends of Dune trilogy:

• Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (2002) - The first novel in the trilogy is set 10,000 years before the events of Dune and explores the war between humans and sentient machines.
• Dune: The Machine Crusade (2003) - The second novel in the trilogy continues the story of the war between humans and machines and the origins of the Bene Gesserit.
• Dune: The Battle of Corrin (2004) - The third and final novel in the trilogy concludes the story of the war between humans and machines and the rise of the Spacing Guild.

c. Hunters of Dune (2006) - The first of two novels in the "Dune 7" series, which were based on notes and outlines left by Frank Herbert before his death. The story takes place several years after the events of Chapterhouse: Dune and follows the Atreides family as they attempt to find a way to save their ancestors from a terrible fate.

d. Sandworms of Dune (2007) - The second and final novel in the "Dune 7" series concludes the story begun in Hunters of Dune, as the Atreides family continues their quest to save the universe from destruction.

e. Paul of Dune (2008) - This novel is set between the events of Dune and Dune Messiah and explores the early years of Paul Atreides' rule as the Emperor.

f. The Winds of Dune (2009) - This novel is set between the events of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune and explores the lives of the characters during the early years of Paul's rule.

g. Sisterhood of Dune (2012) - This novel is set 80 years after the events of The Battle of Corrin and explores the origins and early years of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.

h. Mentats of Dune (2014) - This novel is set in the years leading up to the events of Dune and explores the origins and training of the human computers known as Mentats.

i. Navigators of Dune (2016) - This novel is set in the years leading up to the events of Dune and explores the origins and abilities of the Spacing Guild navigators.

j. The Duke of Caladan (2020) - This novel is set several years before the events of Dune and explores the life of Duke Leto Atreides, the father of Paul Atreides.

k. The Lady of Caladan (2021) - This novel is set in the years following the events of The Duke of Caladan and explores the life of Lady Jessica, the mother of Paul Atreides.

This is a complete list of every officially published "Dune" related novel or book to date.

Now, if you wanted to read the Dune novels in chronological order, we've the list.

What are the film and TV adaptations of Dune?

Frank Herbert's Dune is a classic science fiction novel that has inspired several film and television adaptations over the years. Each adaptation has its own unique take on the story, characters, and themes of the novel, and has been received differently by critics and audiences. 

In this discussion, we will provide a list of the major adaptations of the Dune novels, along with their directors, cast members, plot synopses, and critical evaluations. We will also explore the strengths and weaknesses of each adaptation and discuss their place in the larger context of science fiction film and television.

Dune (1984)

Directed by: David Lynch

Starring: Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Sting, SeanYoung, Francesca Annis

Plot Synopsis: In the distant future, a young man named Paul Atreides (MacLachlan) is sent to a desert planet called Arrakis to oversee the mining of a valuable spice called melange. However, he becomes embroiled in a political and religious conflict between the native Fremen people and the corrupt ruling class. As he learns more about his own destiny, Paul must navigate dangerous alliances and mystical powers to save his family and the fate of the planet.

Critical Evaluation: Despite a strong cast and Lynch's unique visual style, the film was a commercial and critical failure upon release. Some critics praised its ambitious scope and complex world-building, while others found it convoluted and poorly paced. It has since gained a cult following and is considered a cult classic in the science fiction genre.

Frank Herbert's Dune (2000) (TV Miniseries)

Directed by: John Harrison

Starring: William Hurt, Alec Newman, Saskia Reeves, Julie Cox, Giancarlo Giannini

Plot Synopsis: Based more faithfully on the novel, the miniseries follows the same basic story as the 1984 film, but with more time to explore the world and characters in greater detail. Paul Atreides (Newman) is still sent to Arrakis to oversee the mining of melange, but he must also contend with political intrigue and assassination attempts. As he gains the trust of the Fremen and embraces his own destiny as their leader, Paul faces a final battle with the villainous Baron Harkonnen (Giannini) and his minions.

Critical Evaluation: Although not without flaws, this version is generally regarded as a more faithful and satisfying adaptation of the novel than the 1984 film. The miniseries benefits from a strong cast, solid pacing, and impressive visual effects. It received several Emmy nominations and won two, for Outstanding Cinematography and Visual Effects.

Children of Dune (2003) (TV Miniseries)

Directed by: Greg Yaitanes

Starring: Alec Newman, Susan Sarandon, James McAvoy, AliceKrige, Edward Atterton

Plot Synopsis: A sequel to the 2000 miniseries, this adaptation combines elements from the second and third Dune novels, DuneMessiah and Children of Dune. Paul Atreides (Newman) is now the Emperor of the known universe, but faces new challenges as his leadership is threatened by a religious cult and his own visions of the future. Meanwhile, his sister Alia (Krige) struggles with her own descent into madness and the machinations of their enemies.

Critical Evaluation: While not as well-received as the first miniseries, Children of Dune still earned praise for its strong performances and engaging storyline. Sarandon in particular was lauded for her role as the powerful Bene Gesserit leader, and McAvoy made a memorable impression as Paul's troubled son, Leto II. The series won the Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects.

Dune (2021)

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Zendaya

Plot Synopsis: This latest adaptation, directed by Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), covers the first half of the first Dune novel. It follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he and his family travel to Arrakis to take control of the spice mining operations, but soon find themselves embroiled in a deadly conflict with rival factions. As Paul learns more about his truenature and destiny, he forms a bond with a mysterious Fremen warrior (Zendaya) and must lead a rebellion against the forces of the evil Baron Harkonnen (Skarsgard).

Critical Evaluation: The film has received mostly positive reviews for its stunning visuals, ambitious storytelling, and strong performances, particularly from Chalamet and Ferguson. Some critics have criticized the film for its dense and complex plot, which may be difficult for audiences unfamiliar with the source material to follow. However, overall, the film is widely regarded as a faithful and compelling adaptation of Herbert's classic novel.

 It has been praised for its epic scale, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes, and has already garnered multiple award nominations.

Why did the Emperor in Dune want the Atreides family to be massacred?

In the Dune novel by Frank Herbert, the Emperor Shaddam IV sees Duke Leto Atreides as a potential threat to his power due to Leto's growing popularity and the loyalty of many Great Houses to him. 

The Emperor fears that Leto may be able to gather enough support to challenge his rule, leading him to see the Atreides family as a threat that must be eliminated.

To get rid of the Atreides, the Emperor devises a plan to lure them into a trap. He offers them control of the valuable spice production on the planet Arrakis, also known as Dune, which he knows is coveted by the Harkonnen family, long-time enemies of the Atreides. 

Emperor Shaddam from the cult 1984 Dune movie.

The Emperor hopes that by pitting the Atreides against the Harkonnens, they will destroy each other and the Emperor can then swoop in and take control of Arrakis.

This plan involves some subterfuge, as the Emperor pretends to be benevolent and even arranges for his trusted advisor, Count Fenring, to offer Duke Leto a chance to become the Emperor's right-hand man. This is intended to lull Leto into a false sense of security and make him more willing to accept the offer of Arrakis.

Once the Atreides family arrives on planet Arrakis, the Emperor's plan comes to fruition. 

The Harkonnens launch a surprise attack on the Atreides, with the help of the Emperor's Sardaukar troops. The attack is swift and brutal, and most of the Atreides are killed or captured. Duke Leto is taken prisoner and eventually killed by Baron Harkonnen himself.

Concept art of Dune's Emperor Shaddam IV

As for why the Emperor did not destroy the Atreides homeworld, Caladan, it is likely because he knew it would be too risky. The Atreides were a powerful and respected family, and destroying their home would have been seen as a major act of aggression. This could have led to a full-blown war between the Emperor and the other Great Houses, which would have been costly and dangerous for everyone involved. 

By eliminating the Atreides on Arrakis, the Emperor hoped to remove the threat to his power while avoiding a direct conflict with the other Great Houses.

In conclusion, the Emperor saw the Atreides as a threat to his power and devised a plan to eliminate them by luring them into a trap on Arrakis. The plan involved using the Harkonnens as pawns and the Emperor's own troops to defeat the Atreides. However, the Emperor did not want to risk further conflict by attacking the Atreides' homeworld, Caladan, which is why he chose to eliminate them on Arrakis instead.

And to think young Paul Atredies scuppered those plans...

What are the running times of each Star Wars film?

Star Wars isn’t just a movie series. It’s a generational ritual. Over nearly five decades, audiences have sat down, leaned back, and lost themselves in a galaxy far, far away for hours at a time. But how long exactly?

From the scrappy original that launched the franchise in 1977 to the sprawling epics of the Disney era, the runtime of a Star Wars film has gradually expanded alongside its ambitions. Some entries blaze by. Others settle in, sprawling across the screen like a novel you cannot finish in one sitting.

Below, we have laid out the official theatrical runtimes for all eleven Star Wars films, lined up in order of release. Whether you are planning a weekend-long binge, arguing about which trilogy drags the most, or just wondering why you are so exhausted after a marathon, here is the hard data.

Star Wars Film Runtimes

1. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) - 121 minutes
2. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - 124 minutes
3. Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) - 131 minutes
4. Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) - 136 minutes
5. Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) - 142 minutes
6. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005) - 140 minutes
7. Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015) - 138 minutes
8. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) - 133 minutes
9. Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) - 152 minutes
10. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) - 135 minutes
11. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) - 142 minutes
12. The Mandalorian and Grogu - TBD
13. Untitled New Jedi Order Film - TBD

Note: These are the official theatrical release runtimes, and may differ slightly depending on the version or format of the film.

121 Shortest Film (A New Hope)

152 Longest Film (The Last Jedi)

1494 Total Minutes (Approx. 25 Hours)