Frank Herbert ’s sci - fi epicDunehas gotten twotheatrical adaptations so far and there are noted divergence betweenDune1984 vs 2021 ( and its subsequence ) . In 1984 , conductor David Lynch , known mostly for humble - budget movies involving eubstance horror , set out to conform Herbert ’s intimidating novel . Lynch ’s original version was over 14 hour and want dense cutting , so the pic fans receive needed a great deal of exposition to be understood . Though its H.R. Giger - inspired aesthetic and certain creative liberties have with the root material made it divisive , Lynch ’s take has develop a cult following .

In 2021,director Denis Villeneuvedecided to see if he could conquer the novel that had been deem unfilmable , ensue in decisive and fiscal succeeder . Unlike Lynch , Villeneuve did n’t assay to fit the entire book into one motion picture but or else split it into a trilogy ( starting with 2024’sDune : Part Two ) which , when combine with his own unparalleled visual style and narrative conclusion more faithful to Herbert ’s work , made for some renowned departure between the two versions ofDune . While rooter will come to their own conclusions on which adaptation is superior , seeing how two master filmmaker border on the massive source material differently is fascinating .

After the explosive ending of Dune 2 , Dune 3 could cap off Denis Villeneuve ’s Dune trilogy by focus on the events of the novel Dune : Messiah .

Paul Atreides on the cover of Dune with Timothee Chalamet as Paul in Dune 2

15Paul Has A Hero-To-Villain Arc In Villeneuve’s Version Of Dune

The Modern Dune Keeps The Character’s Nuance

David Lynch ’s 1984 translation ofDuneportrays Paul Atreides ( Kyle MacLachlan ) as a classic hero . His ascension to great power is picture as triumphant , culminate in him action his destiny as the preach savior of Arrakis . The final moments ofDune1984 - where Paul commands the rainwater to come down - reenforce a triumphant , almost mythical ending . However , this is a major deviation from Frank Herbert ’s novel , which paint Paul ’s ascent as deep tragic .

Denis Villeneuve ’s adaptation embraces Herbert ’s original vision , setting Paul ( Timothée Chalamet ) on a route from reluctant hero to eventual tyrant . Dune : Part Two(2024 ) shows Paul twist with the weight of prophecy , knowing that accepting his role as the Fremen messiah will let loose a annihilating holy war across the universe . Unlike Lynch ’s version , Villeneuve ’s Paul is in full aware of the consequences of his upgrade , yet he still choose to seize power .

Dune : Part Two eventually settles the 59 - year - old debate over Frank Herbert ’s Dune supporter Paul Atreides — and whether he ’s a baddie or a wedge .

Chani (Zendaya) with a horrified look on her face set against a fiery red and orange background in Dune: Part Two

This moral decline will culminate inDune : Messiah(2026 ) , where Paul is expected to fully cover his role as a flawed , tragic swayer . Rather than the victorious paladin Lynch presented , Villeneuve ’s Paul is a human eat up by fate , make choices that turn him into the very material body he once fear — determine up a much darker , more faithful version of Herbert ’s vision .

14Paul Didn’t Need Powers to Control Sandworms in Dune: Part Two

A Key David Lynch Change Diminished Paul’s Abilities

One of the primal differences between David Lynch’sDuneand Denis Villeneuve ’s is how Paul Atreides gain ground dominance over the sandworms of Arrakis . In Lynch ’s reading , Paul can not summon or ride the monumental creatures until he drinks the Water of Life , a deadly rite that wake up his full prescient power . This suggests that his big businessman over the dirt ball is tied to his mystical transformation into the Lisan al - Gaib .

Villeneuve ’s adaptation , however , stays truer to Frank Herbert ’s novel by portray Paul dominate sandworm - riding without any supernatural intervention . InDune : Part Two , Paul learns this skill from the Fremen , just as he does in the book , proving his worth as a drawing card through experience and preparation rather than prophecy . His ability to command a sandworm is not a result of pledge the Water of Life but rather his discernment of Fremen ways .

This modification reinforces Villeneuve ’s more grounded feeler to Paul ’s journey . Instead of relying on mystical powers , his assurance over the Fremen comes from his actions and strategic choices . This version of Paul is more aligned with Herbert ’s vision - where myth and politics lace , but skill and leadership matter just as much as fate .

Composite image with six Dune book covers and Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides in Dune (2021)

13Chani Is The Hero Of The Modern Dune Trilogy

Denis Villeneuve Portrays Paul Much More Faithfully

In David Lynch’sDune , Chani ( Sean Young ) is a relatively pocket-sized character , principally serving as Paul Atreides ’ erotic love involvement . She has little agency in the story and survive mostly to stomach Paul ’s journey . However , Denis Villeneuve’sDunefilms reframe Chani ( Zendaya ) as a fundamental protagonist , positioning her as the emotional and moral heart of the narration .

By giving her more means , Villeneuve transform Chani from a background sexual love interestingness into a key player shaping the future of Arrakis , making her the on-key hero of the modernDunetrilogy .

InDune : Part Two(2024 ) , Chani is no longer just Paul ’s romantic partner - she is a fierce Fremen warrior who challenges his growing messianic status . Unlike in Lynch ’s variant , where Paul in full espouse his function as the Kwisatz Haderach , Villeneuve ’s adaptation highlight Chani ’s skepticism toward the spiritual mythos surrounding him . She correspond the grounded , human view of the Fremen , resisting the political handling that Paul at long last succumbs to .

Dune 1984 vs 2021 biggest differences

This shimmy in focussing sets up Chani as a leading figure inDune : Messiah(2026 ) , where her character is wait to expand beyond anything seen in Lynch ’s version . By giving her more agency , Villeneuve transform Chani from a ground love sake into a primal instrumentalist shaping the future tense of Arrakis , making her the true hero of the modernDunetrilogy .

Chani ’s decision to leave at the end of Dune : Part Two was shroud in enigma , and it has monolithic implications for the future of the tale .

12Baron Harkonnen’s Look & Demeanor

A More Cunning And Less Grotesque Baron Is Introduced In 2021

As he ’s depicted inDune1984 , Baron Harkonnen ( Kenneth McMillan ) is a sincerely disgusting mankind with boiling point all over his brass and a tendency to torture animals and people . A aspect depicting him sexually violate a untested man not only designate his complete disregard for others ( it ’s also heavily implied he thirst after his youngest nephew ) but what book reviewer know is entirely accurate to Herbert’sDune . McMillan ’s portrayal is a stark scoundrel , whose outside accurately depict just how depraved his insides are .

However , Dune2021 took a much different route bring Harkonnen ’s unholy fictional character to the screen . Baron ( Stellan Skarsgård ) is still nefarious , but rather than be a murdering psychopath , he ’s intelligently manipulative . Any hint at his intimate appetency have been removed and the wayHarkonnen floats inDuneadds an eery aspect to the character . However , Skarsgård ’s characterization of the Baron is also much more pernicious and cunning than McMillan ’s . He does n’t get very much screen sentence by dividing line , buthe helps establish House Harkonne ’s participation in the Emperor ’s sea captain plan to crush House Atreides .

11The Emperor Isn’t In Dune 2021

Villeneuve Is Saved The Emperor For Part Two

The Emperor , the someone responsible for sending House Atreides to Arrakis , appears inDune1984 ( toy by legendary actor Jose Ferrer ) adumbrate his dodging to set House Atreides up to fail . However , Villeneuve does n’t have the Emperor in his first moving-picture show at all but does mention him , incorporating parts of this conversation into dialogue with other fibre . Lynch tried to abide as close to Herbert ’s novel as he peradventure could , result in a 14 - hour - farseeing sci - fi epic that had to undergo massive cuts . However , Villeneuve obviously did n’t experience that the Emperor ’s persona was call for to by rights narrate the level .

Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV is a striking part of the book and is said to have flex on House Atreides because Gurney Halleck and Duncan Idaho civilise a fighting force to touch his Sardaukar army . Dune1984 goes into this exposition in exhausting contingent . It ’s not essential to have the Emperor inDune2021 because the exposition he offer happens in other ways , but this also wee spectator less likely to understand his motivation .

While the character ’s persona in the first half of the story was removed , Christopher Walker played Emperor Shaddam IV inDune : Part II . Villeneuve really made the more Koran - precise choice , since the fiber is often mentioned more than he ’s determine in the first half of the novel .

Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) looking disturbed composited with an image of Paul standing in front of a major battle in the distance from Dune: Part 2

10The Sandworms Look Different

Lynch And Villeneuve’s Designs Of The Creatures Differ Drastically

The sandworms fromDune1984 and 2021 are some of the most iconic creatures in all of science fable , andDune1984 feature them conspicuously . Not only are they regularly seen , but they ’re also life-sustaining to Paul Atreides taking back Arrakeen from House Harkonnen . In Lynch ’s adaptation , theDunesandworms havemouths that look like flush petals and are filled with sharp teeth . In 1984 , the VFX that give way into creating theDunesandworms was an impressive achievement , using practical consequence models , blue screens 35 feet high , and miniature Set .

By demarcation , sandworms are rarely see inDune2021 , perhaps out of a desire to keep them as mysterious threats . At the big moment when one is eventually seen , its oral fissure is simply a rotund tunnel of C of grand of sharp teeth . Unlike in Lynch ’s movie , hearing will have to await for Part 2 to see if Paul ( Timothée Chalamet ) learns how to drive one .

It ’s quite possible that Villeneuve is keep these famed creatures under wraps to properly wow audiences withDune2 . Villeneuve ’s sandworms are much more unnerving looking thanDune1984 ’s with their G of tooth and are more visually accurate to what Herbert describes .

Paul Atreides getting ready to ride a sandworm in Dune Part Two

9The Weirding Way Isn’t In The 2021 Version

Lynch Embraces The Unique Bene Gesserit Technique

The Weirding Way , a form of movement that combines strong-arm and psychological preparation , was an aspect of the Bene Gesserit that Lynch depicted as a transonic beam weapon cry the Weirding Module . As Paul Atreides ( Kyle Maclachlan ) tells the Fremen,“Some sentiment have a certain auditory sensation . That being the equivalent to a form . Through sound and motion , you will be capable to [ vote down ] your foe . “He then force out the Weirding Module at a endocarp , shattering it inDune1984 .

For whatever reason , Dune2021 decides to leave out the Weirding Way entirely . Villeneuve does feature the Voice , another deadly constituent of Bene Gesserit teachings , but chooses to leave out any expression of the Weirding Way . This does n’t necessarily mean that Paul and Jessica do n’t use the Weirding Way technique , it just peculiarly is n’t mentioned by name . While it is another aspect that could be let in in Villeneuve ’s secondDunemovie , it seems improbable that they would wait to introduce a unusual conception like this so late in the story without mentioning it before .

81984 Had A Constant Internal Monologue

Lynch Paid Homage To Herbert’s Writing In Frequent Voice-Over Narration

An interesting matter that happens quite frequently inDune1984 involves accessing type ' thoughts through home monologue . They ’re often direct quotes from Herbert ’s book of account and something thatDune2021 completely does aside with . The never-ending internal soliloquy inDune1984 was divisive for audience . Fans of Herbert ’s novel get hold the extra grapheme exposition refreshing and a respectful style to make up court to the reservoir stuff . Others reckon the story cut too much into the action and take away from the narrative .

The internal monologues inDune1984 foreground a large aspect of Herbert ’s book that would have been turn a loss in the ocular mass medium of pic , but they can be jarring , and they do n’t allow the actors a prospect to emote . InDune2021 , the doer come across as much more emotionally resonant because they are n’t staring vacantly into space while their privileged soliloquy play . Like the original , Dune2021 does still contain narration . The opening toDune2021 bear a story sequence from Chani ( Zendaya ) , whereasDune1984 gave this dialogue to Princess Irulan .

7Lady Jessica Is More Prominent In 2021

Villeneuve Amplifies Lady Jessica’s Role

InDune1984,Lady Jessica ( Francesca Annis ) has only a handful of conniption , most of which involve Paul in the desert . Her most important setting takes place when she becomes the Modern Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit and break premature nativity to her daughter as a result . Dune1984 reckon a much more inactive Jessica , despite the fact that she was inherent to Paul ’s delegation and training . It ’s odd , as Lady Jessica had a much larger role in the book than what Lynch put to the blind .

Dune2021 make Lady Jessica ( Rebecca Ferguson ) an essential part of the plotand a strong wise man for Paul both before and after his father ’s death . Herbert wrote strong distaff character , but that potency was n’t always convey through their action , particularly since the power structure in his universe prefer men . Villeneuve ’s Lady Jessica is made much more than " Leto ’s doxy " by testify how Paul gets the long suit to face his trials . It ’s through Jessica that Paul memorise just about everything needed to know to complete his mission and save his family and his multitude .

6Feyd Rautha And Alia Show Up Late In The Modern Dune Trilogy

Key Heroes And Villains Are Missing From The 2021 Version

SinceDune1984 is a complete cinema , Lynch includes two important characters from the book ’s 2d half ; Feyd Rautha ( Sting ) , Baron Harkonnen ’s power - thirsty nephew , and Alia Atreides ( Alicia Witt ) , Paul ’s piffling sister with all the big businessman of the Reverend Mother . Alia , in particular , plays an significant use in the story ofDune . During the invasion of the palace on Arrakeen , Alia poisons Baron Harkonnen with a Gom Jabbar and kills dying soldiers on the field of honor for their water .

Feyd Rautha is one of the most renowned novel addition to the report inDune : Part 2with Oscar nominee Austin Butler take on the role . The character ’s look is dissimilar from how Sting appeared in 1984 with Butler appearing more inhuman . The engagement between Paul and Feydis also being build up as an exciting face-off . Alia was also in brief inDune : Part 2 , meet by Anya Taylor - Joy . However , she has yet to be as prominent a character as in David Lynch’sDune .

The Dune serial launch a massive sci - fi franchise . With more films and television set shows in maturation , here are the six book order from worst to best .

Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV in a throne room in Dune 1984

Split image of Sandworms in Dune 1984 and Dune 2021

Paul using the Weirding Way Module from Dune (1984)

Paul kneeling in a cave in Dune

Split image of Lady Jessica in Dune 1984 and Dune 2021

Movies

Dune

Dune (1984)