Ranking the Most Powerful Characters in Dune 2

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part 2 is now available, showcasing powerful characters and skilled warriors who add depth to the intergalactic conflict introduced in the first movie. The stakes are raised in this second installment, continuing the story from the first half of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel Dune. The film not only completes the initial storyline but also lays the groundwork for a potential third installment focusing on the events of Dune Messiah. As the Dune universe expands, both familiar and new characters are developed further.

Beast Rabban Harkonnen

In Dune: Part 2, a new character named Beast Rabban Harkonnen is introduced. He is not present in the first part of the story. Beast Rabban Harkonnen causes serious problems for protagonist Paul Atreides and his allies. The ongoing war between House Atreides and the Imperium is a central focus of this part of the story. The climax of Dune: Part 2 sees Paul Atreides leading a Holy War against the other Houses. The power dynamics within the Dune universe undergo a significant shift by the conclusion of Dune: Part 2, with some characters emerging as much more powerful than others.

Dave Bautista as the Beast Rabban speaking with his fellow Harkonnens in Dune - Beast Rabban Harkonnen

Rabban, the nephew of Baron Harkonnen, is responsible for ruling Arrakis while his family controls the planet. He is a skilled fighter who uses his anger to his advantage in battles. However, he is merely a pawn in his uncle's grand scheme, destined to be sacrificed for the Harkonnen family's goals. Rabban's abilities are hindered by his lack of intelligence and planning, leading to his eventual demise alongside other members of his family.

Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

Feyd-Rautha Hakonnen fights in the gladiator pit in Dune Part 2. - Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen

Vladimir Harkonnen

Vladimir Harkonnen, the ruthless and cunning Baron, is a key figure in the Dune series. He is known for his cruel nature and desire to maintain power over Arrakis and its valuable spice production. In the second installment, his nephew Feyd-Rautha emerges as a formidable opponent to Paul Atreides. Despite his eventual demise at the hands of Paul, Vladimir's influence is felt throughout the story.

Stellan Skarsgard Baron Harkonnen smoking hookah in a bath in Dune 2 - Vladimir Harkonnen

Baron Vladimir Harkonnen played a key role in the family's conquest of Arrakis by combining his army with the Emperor's forces to overthrow House Atreides and seize control of the planet. Known for his strategic prowess, he never hesitated to unleash his full might, showing no mercy to his enemies. Despite rarely appearing in battle himself, his ruthless nature made him a formidable adversary. However, his demise in Dune: Part 2 altered his position significantly.

Gurney Halleck

Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck bloodied with an explosion behind him in Dune: Part 2

Chani

Even though Gurney is often separated from his friends in Dune: Part 2, his survival after the Harkonnen invasion shows that he is a skilled fighter with intelligence and strategic thinking. Halleck's understanding of House Atreides' workings, like the location of their atomic stockpile, makes him valuable to the Fremen, despite not being fully embraced by them.

Zendaya as Chani looking serious in Dune 2

Chani plays a significant role in Dune: Part 2 as Paul Atreides' romantic partner. While she loves Paul, she doesn't always agree with his decisions, making her a powerful influence on him. This makes Chani a valuable ally and a formidable opponent, especially as she can lead the Fremen army against the Harkonnens. With her skills as a fighter and her deep understanding of the Fremen ways, Chani proves to be a key player in the unfolding events.

Chani's dynamic with Paul was significantly changed in the movie.

Margot Fenring

Lady Fenring leaning close to Feyd-Rautha in Dune 2 - Margot Fenring

Lady Fenring’s strength lies in her political prowess rather than physical might. She leverages her family's connection to Emperor Shaddam to benefit herself. Her intentions remain mysterious, adding to her threat as a formidable foe. As the Bene Gesserit spouse of Count Fenring, a trusted confidant of Shaddam, she holds significant power despite the turmoil in the Imperium.

Stilgar

Javier Bardem as Stilgar looking over shoulder in Dune Part Two

Emperor Shaddam IV

Emperor Shaddam IV was a powerful ruler in the Dune universe. He held a position of great authority and was feared by many. Despite his power, he was ultimately outmaneuvered by Paul Atreides, leading to his downfall. His reign was marked by political intrigue and manipulation, making him a complex and intriguing character in the Dune series.

Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) talking to Paul in Dune Part Two.

Emperor Shaddam IV, though not seen in Dune: Part 1, plays a crucial role in the movie's events. He is the one who sent Duke Leto to Arrakis, supported House Harkonnen with troops, and backed their control over the planet. In Dune: Part 2, Paul ultimately overthrows him, sparking the beginning of Dune's Holy War. Despite this, many Houses still remain loyal to Shaddam, giving him significant influence and power.

Alia Atreides

Alia in an earlier adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune - Alia Atreides

Lady Jessica

Alia Atreides, the first daughter of Lady Jessica and Duke Leto, holds a special place in the events of Dune: Part Two. While she is not yet the powerful character she will become in the franchise, Alia's unique abilities set her apart. Born in her mother's transition into a Reverend Mother, she can access the memories of her ancestors and has a remarkable mental capacity. Alia communicates with Lady Jessica and even influences the actions of her older brother.

Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica wearing a hood looking concerned in Dune

Lady Jessica, the eldest member of House Atreides, is a Bene Gesserit who played a key role in creating the Kwisatz Haderach. This special being has the unique ability to access the memories of both male and female ancestors. Her efforts in creating the Kwisatz Haderach greatly influenced Paul's growth into a powerful and respected fighter, eventually leading to his revered status as the Muad'dib. In Dune: Part 2, Lady Jessica further unleashes her true power by consuming the spice and transforming into a Reverend Mother.

Princess Irulan

Princess Irulan making a recording in Dune Part 2

Paul Atreides is a key character in Dune: Part 2. He is a powerful figure with a significant role in the story. Throughout the movie, Paul's actions and decisions have a major impact on the plot. His relationship with Princess Irulan, whom he chooses to marry, is a central focus of the film. Paul's position as the most powerful person in the galaxy adds to his importance as a character.

Timothée Chalamet as paul atreides walking through the desert in dune 2 - Paul Atreides

Paul Atreides begins his journey as a warrior with moderate power, but his status quickly elevates. Among the Fremen, Paul's reputation as a Messianic figure grows, eventually leading him to be known as Muad’dib in the conclusion of Dune: Part 2. As Muad’dib, Paul becomes both a revered religious leader and the new Emperor, wielding immense authority. In the Holy War of Dune: Part 2, Paul emerges as the central figure, solidifying his position as the most influential and powerful character in the story.

Editor's P/S:

Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part 2 is a visually stunning and action-packed continuation of Frank Herbert's epic sci-fi novel. The film delves deeper into the complex world and characters introduced in the first movie, with a particular focus on the power dynamics and political machinations that shape the intergalactic conflict. The introduction of new characters, such as Beast Rabban Harkonnen and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, adds depth to the story and provides fresh perspectives on the struggle for control over the planet Arrakis.

The film also emphasizes the evolving relationships between the characters, particularly the romantic partnership between Paul Atreides and Chani. While Paul's journey as the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach remains central to the plot, the film explores the ways in which his personal choices and alliances shape his destiny. With its stunning visuals, captivating performances, and thought-provoking themes, Dune: Part 2 is a worthy successor to its predecessor and sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the Dune saga.