Frank Herbert’s original 1965 story, DUNE, was an astounding success.  It has become one of America’s great novels, and is beloved by science fiction fans.  More part of the space opera subset of stories, the book has been turned into two adaptations including a TV mini-series and a movie by David Lynch.  Now, director Denis Villeneuve’s first part in a two film series was released in October 2021 to both HBO Max and theaters. 

Rather than discuss the intricacies of the story, the movie stars an all-star cast of performers.  Timothee Chalamet plays the lead role of Paul Atreides who may or may not be a promised messianic hero.  Also in the cast is Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, among many others.

DUNE: PART ONE (2021) received glowing reviews from critics.  With its success both on streaming and at theaters, Warner Brothers immediately green lit the second part in the two movie series.  If success follows the second film, one wonders if a new franchise in the Dune universe will expand to others stories in the books that Frank Herbert wrote.  Dark Discussions takes a look at this new film and gives their thoughts.