The Definitive Answer: Paul Atreides - Villain or Hero? Insights from Dune 2

Dune: Part Two ends the long-standing debate about the protagonist, Paul Atreides, in Frank Herbert's Dune. The story revolves around Paul "Muad'Dib" Atreides, but he is not necessarily a hero. Herbert's novel is renowned for critiquing the traditional chosen one narrative often found in science fiction. Despite this, there has been ongoing discussion among viewers about whether Paul Atreides ultimately becomes a hero or a villain. Fortunately, Denis Villeneuve's Dune series stays true to Herbert's original vision.

The Debate About Paul Being A Villain Or Hero Explained

On the other hand, in David Lynch's 1984 Dune adaptation, Paul (played by Kyle MacLachlan) is portrayed as a triumphant hero. The movie emphasizes Paul's victory on Arrakis, which leads to a rainstorm instead of a massive holy war. Despite some inaccuracies from the book, director Villeneuve's changes in the 2021 Dune adaptation support the film's themes of anti-colonialism and anti-white savior. An example of this is Chani (played by Zendaya), a strong Fremen warrior and Paul's love interest, who doubts his status as a messiah and realizes that the narrative is a tool for controlling her people.

Timothée Chalamet as paul atreides walking through the desert in dune 2 - The Debate About Paul Being A Villain Or Hero Explained

In Dune, Frank Herbert purposely includes elements of a typical "chosen one" story to show that Paul is not a traditional hero. Instead, he is more of a tragic figure who uses questionable methods to achieve his objectives. Initially, Paul is thrilled to be on Arrakis and to discover more about the spice-producing desert planet. However, after his father is killed by House Harkonnen on the orders of the Emperor, Paul finds common cause with the Fremen people. Both Paul and the Fremen desire to overthrow the Harkonnens, albeit for different reasons.

Paul's fate is connected to the Bene Gesserit breeding program. When Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (played by Rebecca Ferguson), escape into the desert and seek refuge with a Fremen sietch, Jessica uses her understanding of the Fremen's religious beliefs to help them. Jessica not only knows about the Bene Gesserit's plan for the Kwisatz Haderach, but she also played a role in planting the idea of a messiah, Lisan al Gaib, among the Fremen. As a result of Lady Jessica's actions, Paul's destiny is intertwined with the Bene Gesserit breeding program. Despite being the prophesied superbeing, Paul is hesitant to accept the title, and there is a valid reason for his reluctance.

Dune 2 Makes It Clear That Paul Is Not A Hero

Chani staring angrily at Paul amid a crowd of Fremen in Dune 2 - Dune 2 Makes It Clear That Paul Is Not A Hero

After going against the Harkonnen spice-harvesting plan and winning over the Fremen people, Paul is faced with a decision: follow his supposed destiny or avoid the heavy responsibility. It may seem like a common sci-fi theme, but Paul's hesitation is not about being a hero. With prophetic dreams showing him the future, Paul knows that embracing the role of Fremen messiah will trigger a chain of violent events that cannot be stopped. To him, freeing Arrakis and seeking revenge for his father may not be worth the upcoming bloodshed.

The sequel to Dune, Dune Messiah, further explores the tragic consequences of Paul's decisions.

Dune 2 Shows How Terrifying Paul Atreides Would Be As A Full Villain

For most of Dune 2, Paul sides with Chani and the younger Fremen: he agrees that one of their own people should lead them and insists that he isn't the prophesied Lisan al Gaib. Lady Jessica, meanwhile, undergoes the spice agony by ingesting the toxic Water of Life; in becoming a Reverend Mother, she uses her sway to convince fundamentalists and other Fremen of Paul's destiny. At first, Paul resents his mother's actions, but after the Harkonnen mercilessly bomb a Fremen outpost, he gives in to the call of destiny, believing that his choice is the lesser of two evils.

Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides with blue eyes in Dune - Dune 2 Shows How Terrifying Paul Atreides Would Be As A Full Villain

Paul may have rescued Arrakis, but his actions aren't exactly noble. By giving in to the Bene Gesserit's tale and drinking the Water of Life, he gains the ability to see the future and becomes the Kwisatz Haderach. This goes against everything he believed in. What's even more unsettling is how effortlessly Paul embraces his fate. In a chilling display of power, he manipulates the Fremen with his newfound abilities, revealing a darker side to Dune's protagonist.

Approximately 61 billion people lose their lives due to the religious fervor incited by Paul.

Chani, always doubtful, feels deeply hurt by Paul's actions. Paul not only succumbs to the temptation of becoming the all-powerful Lisan al Gaib, but he also justifies his decision as the only option. While forming an alliance with the Fremen is crucial to defeat the Harkonnens, Paul's newfound control over masses of people goes to his head. When the other noble houses refuse to accept Paul as Emperor, he commands his Fremen to attack the orbiting fleets, sparking the prophesied holy war.

Why Paul's Villain Turn In Dune 2 Is Quite Tragic

Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides looking up with blue eyes in Dune: Part Two - Why Paul's Villain Turn In Dune 2 Is Quite Tragic

In the conclusion of Herbert's Dune, Paul Atreides comes to a realization. His goal of gaining power to defeat the Harkonnens and the Emperor, while freeing Arrakis, has a dark consequence. The Fremen people's unwavering faith in him leads to their uncontrollable ambition to conquer the universe in his name. Essentially, the liberation of Arrakis sparks a violent holy war. The ending of Dune serves as a stark reminder to be cautious of heroes, especially those who reach god-like status.

According to Herbert, Dune aims to highlight the "superhero syndrome" and how individuals play a role in it.

Paul doesn't want the holy war to happen, but he also believes that giving into the story is the only way forward. While he pushes back against the prophecies, previous film adaptations have failed to capture this sentiment effectively. Lynch's version portrayed Paul as a heroic white savior figure, catering to the expectations of epic sci-fi movies. According to Herbert, Dune is meant to showcase the "superhero syndrome" and our own role in it, a theme that Dune 2 is keenly aware of.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the complexities of Paul Atreides' character in Frank Herbert's Dune, challenging the traditional perception of him as a heroic figure. It argues that Paul is not a clear-cut hero or villain but rather a tragic figure who grapples with the consequences of his actions. Herbert's original novel and Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation remain faithful to this portrayal, exploring the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders and the potential for even the best intentions to lead to unforeseen horrors.

The sequel, Dune Messiah, further emphasizes Paul's tragic journey as he succumbs to the temptation of power and becomes the feared Lisan al Gaib. His manipulation of the Fremen and the resulting holy war serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of questioning authority. The article's analysis of Paul's character arc and its implications for the "superhero syndrome" in modern society is thought-provoking and offers a fresh perspective on the nature of heroism and villainy in science fiction.