The conclusion of Dune: Part Two is absolutely captivating. While much is left open to interpretation, the fates of the characters who made it through are mostly left hanging in the balance. Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's renowned science fiction novel is truly remarkable, with the ending of Dune: Part Two perfectly encompassing the grandiose space opera feel of the original book. The immense critical praise and box office success suggest that there will likely be another film to wrap up the destinies of the surviving characters. In the meantime, fans can turn to Frank Herbert's Dune: Messiah and other novels in the Dune series for more insight into what lies ahead for each character.
Paul Atreides Becomes Emperor & Rules Over Arrakis
In the dramatic conclusion of Dune: Part Two, several major character deaths occur, mainly among the Harkonnen family. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Feyd-Rautha, and Glossu Rabban all meet their demise. However, most of the film's cast, including other antagonists like the Emperor and Princess Irulan, remain alive. Denis Villeneuve's film brings the story of the original Dune novel to a close, but the universe is far from over. The future of Frank Herbert's world on film is uncertain, with numerous novels offering a rich canonical history to explore, and the original characters leaving a lasting impact.
Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) wearing a stillsuit and its nosepiece set against a backdrop of sand dunes in Dune: Part 2 - Paul Atreides Becomes Emperor & Rules Over Arrakis
In Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides emerges as the leader. He kicks off his Holy War to guide his followers towards paradise, facing opposition from the Great Houses. As the newly proclaimed religious Messiah, Paul needs the entire universe to back his reign. Between Dune and Dune: Messiah, he wages a devastating twelve-year war, resulting in the deaths of 61 billion individuals across numerous planets.
Paul Atreides rules Arrakis and the Known Universe as Emperor, amid the devastation. He begins the process of terraforming Arrakis to make it a more fertile planet. Despite his efforts, his rule is constantly challenged by various Dune houses and factions. The Bene Gesserit, Princess Irulan Corrino, and the Tleilaxu are among those who pose consistent threats to Paul. Additionally, Lady Margot Fenring also emerges as a threat to Paul between the events of Dune and Dune: Messiah.
Chani Stays With Paul & Begins A Family
Zendaya as Chani looking worried in Dune Part Two - Chani Stays With Paul & Begins A Family
Irulan Marries Paul & Plots To Betray Him
Irulan's role in the Dune: Part Two ending is significant as she marries Paul and secretly plots to betray him. Despite appearing loyal, she schemes behind his back, seeking power and influence. Her actions set the stage for potential betrayal and conflict in future installments of the Dune series.
Princess Irulan looking concerned in Dune 2 - Irulan Marries Paul & Plots To Betray Him
Florence Pugh's portrayal of Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Two is quietly powerful. Despite having a small role, her character plays a crucial part in the story. Irulan is Paul's wife in the upcoming Dune: Messiah, but she is not happy about his relationship with Chani. She joins forces with the Bene Gesserit and Tleilaxu to plot against Paul, attempting to harm Chani and stop her from having children. However, her actions lead to regret, and she eventually supports the Atreides family.
Lady Jessica Returns To Caladan To Rule
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica standing against a wall in Dune - Lady Jessica Returns To Caladan To Rule
Emperor Shaddam Lives In Exile On Salusa Secundus
Emperor Shaddam, once a powerful ruler, now lives in exile on Salusa Secundus. His reign has come to an end, and he is no longer in control of the empire. Instead, he resides on this distant planet, far from his former seat of power. It is a stark contrast to his previous life of luxury and authority. Despite his fall from grace, Shaddam must now come to terms with his new reality and find a way to adapt to his changed circumstances.
Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune Part Two - Emperor Shaddam Lives In Exile On Salusa Secundus
After Paul Atreides takes control, he shows no mercy, except when it benefits him politically. Instead of killing the former Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV, Paul chooses to send him into exile on the planet Salusa Secundus. Shaddam spends more than twenty years in exile, plotting to regain his power. However, his efforts are futile as he is already old when he goes into exile. In the end, he passes away without making any significant impact on the subsequent Dune sequels by Frank Herbert.
Stilgar Is A Loyal Military Leader In Paul's Holy War
Stilgar in Dune: Part Two - Stilgar Is A Loyal Military Leader In Paul's Holy War
Stilgar becomes the steward of Arrakis when Paul rises to power and continues to support him passionately. He remains a loyal follower of Paul for the rest of his life. In Dune: Part Two, Stilgar's unwavering loyalty to the Atreides Empire is evident as he engages in battles on different planets. After Paul's passing, Stilgar becomes more involved in political matters and seeks revenge by executing Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam.
Gurney Halleck Rules Caladan With Lady Jessica
Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck bloodied with an explosion behind him in Dune: Part 2 - Gurney Halleck Rules Caladan With Lady Jessica
Lady Margot Fenring Attempts To Assassinate Paul Atreides
Lady Margot Fenring, a cunning and dangerous woman, tries to assassinate Paul Atreides, the new ruler of the galaxy. She sees him as a threat to her husband's position and decides to take matters into her own hands. In a desperate attempt to eliminate Paul, Lady Margot uses all her skills and resources to carry out the assassination plot. But Paul's keen instincts and loyal allies foil her plan, leading to a dramatic confrontation that will have lasting repercussions in the world of Dune.
Margot Fenring in Dune 2 - Lady Margot Fenring Attempts To Assassinate Paul Atreides
In Dune: Part Two, Léa Seydoux's character, Lady Margot, is a captivating Bene Gesserit noblewoman. After Paul becomes powerful, she and her husband, Count Hasimir Fenring, try to kill him but fail. They are banished to Salusa Secundus, where they must live with Shaddam Corrino. Lady Margot has a daughter named Marie Fenring with Feyd-Rautha, who is tragically killed by Alia Atreides during an attempt on Paul's life.
Alia Atreides Becomes One Of Paul's Biggest Supporters
anya taylor joy dune 2 - Alia Atreides Becomes One Of Paul's Biggest Supporters
Alia Atreides is mostly in Lady Jessica's womb throughout Dune: Part Two, but briefly appears in Paul's vision of the future. Thanks to the Water of Life, Alia is conscious in the womb and can communicate with Jessica in the movie. In the books, she is born before Paul becomes the ruler and is the one who ultimately kills Baron Harkonnen. In the movies, she is expected to be born before the events of the third movie, as she is a key supporter of Paul and the main character in Dune: Messiah. After Paul's passing, Alia serves as the regent of the Empire until his children are old enough to take over.
Editor's P/S:
The conclusion of Dune: Part Two leaves many questions unanswered, which is both exciting and frustrating. On the one hand, it gives fans plenty to speculate about and discuss. On the other hand, it can be difficult to be patient when you're eagerly awaiting the next installment.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the ending is the way it sets up future conflicts. Paul Atreides has become emperor, but he is facing opposition from all sides. The Bene Gesserit, the Tleilaxu, and even his own family members are plotting against him. It's clear that the battle for Arrakis is far from over.
Another interesting aspect of the ending is the way it explores the themes of power and corruption. Paul has become a powerful leader, but he is also becoming increasingly isolated and ruthless. He is willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his goals, even the people he loves. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and the importance of staying true to one's values.