Dune: Part Two finally settles the 59-year-old debate over Frank Herbert’s Dune protagonist, Paul Atreides (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet). Although the epic story of Dune may center on Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides, that doesn’t make him a hero. In fact, part of the reason Herbert’s novel remains so influential is because of the way it criticizes science fiction’s archetypal — and often problematic — chosen one narrative. Even so, viewers have debated whether Paul Atreides ends up being a hero or a villain. Thankfully, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series leans hard into Herbert’s original intentions.
On the other hand, the ending of David Lynch’s 1984 Dune adaptation paints Paul (played by Kyle MacLachlan) as a triumphant hero. The cult-classic film hammers home its point when Paul’s victory on Arrakis summons a rainstorm — not a universe-rending holy war. While Dune: Part Two gets some book details wrong, the changes Villeneuve makes better serve the film’s anti-colonialist, anti-white savior narrative. For example, Chani (Zendaya), a fierce Fremen warrior and Paul’s lover, is skeptical of his role as a messiah, correctly surmising that the story is a means of controlling the Fremen people.
The Debate About Paul Being A Villain Or Hero Explained
In Dune, Frank Herbert intentionally includes all the hallmarks of a typical “chosen one” story in order to underline his point: Paul isn’t heroic. If anything, he’s a tragic figure who employs dubious means to achieve his goals. At first, Paul is excited to live on Arrakis and learn more about the spice-producing desert planet. After his father is assassinated by House Harkonnen (and at the behest of the Emperor), Paul feels his goals align with those of the Fremen people. Both Paul and the Fremen want to overthrow the Harkonnens, though for different reasons.
When Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), escape into the desert and take refuge with a Fremen sietch, Jessica uses her knowledge of the Fremen’s religious beliefs to their advantage. Not only is Jessica familiar with the Bene Gesserit’s Kwisatz Haderach plan, she knows her matriarchal order sewed the seeds of the Fremen belief in a messiah — Lisan al Gaib. Thanks to Lady Jessica’s own interventions, Paul’s destiny is tied to the Bene Gesserit breeding program. However, while Paul is the foretold superbeing, he is reluctant to claim the title — and for good reason.
Dune: Part Two Makes It Clear That Paul Is Not A Hero
After mounting attacks on the Harkonnen spice-harvesting scheme and ingratiating himself with the Fremen people, Paul faces a choice: heed the call of his supposed destiny or avoid the burden altogether. Again, it seems like a fairly standard sci-fi trope, but Paul’s reluctance has nothing to do with being heroic. Bestowed with some dream visions of the future, Paul knows that accepting the role of Fremen messiah will kick off a series of unstoppable, bloody events. To him, liberating Arrakis and avenging his father aren’t necessarily worth the bloodshed that will follow.
For most of Dune: Part Two, 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.
Dune: Part Two Shows How Terrifying Paul Atreides Would Be As A Full Villain
Although Paul succeeds in freeing Arrakis, his actions are anything but heroic. When he gives in to the Bene Gesserit’s story and drinks the Water of Life — thus unlocking clairvoyance across time and space and becoming the foretold Kwisatz Haderach — Paul is also betraying his every instinct. He does the one thing he’s been trying to avoid for the whole film. What’s most disturbing, however, is how good Paul is at fulfilling his destiny. When he calls the Fremen into a meeting and uses his clairvoyance to threaten them, Dune‘s Paul shows his terrifying potential for evil.
In total, roughly 61 billion people are killed as a result of the religious fervor Paul causes. The ever-skeptical Chani feels deeply betrayed by Paul’s actions. Not only does Paul allow himself to fall victim to the temptation of becoming the all-powerful Lisan al Gaib, he acts as though it’s the right (and only) choice. In some ways, it may be true: to stop the Harkonnens, Paul’s alliance with the Fremen is a powerful tool. Still, being in control of so many people goes to Paul’s head. When the other great houses refuse to recognize Paul as Emperor, the Kwisatz Haderach orders his Fremen to attack the orbiting fleets, thus launching his foretold holy war.
At the end of Herbert’s Dune, Paul Atreides realizes that achieving his goal — amassing enough power and influence to overthrow the Harkonnens and the Emperor, while also liberating Arrakis — has a terrible down-side. Since the Fremen people’s belief in him is so powerful, Paul can no longer control or restrain their desire to conquer the universe in his name. In short, the fallout of liberating Arrakis is a bloody holy war. The devastating note that Dune ends on is a clear warning to be wary of heroes, especially those who attain god-like status.
While Paul doesn’t want the holy war to happen, and while he pushes back against the prophecies, he also believes giving into the story is the only viable way forward. Previous film adaptations have failed to appropriately mine this sentiment. As mentioned, Lynch’s version paints Paul as a heroic white savior figure — giving in to the nature of cinema and what audiences expect out of epic sci-fi movies. In Herbert’s own words, Dune is about “showing you the superhero syndrome and your own participation in it,” and Dune: Part Two is very much aware of that intention.
FAQ
How does Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series handle the portrayal of Paul Atreides?
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series stays true to Frank Herbert’s portrayal of Paul Atreides as a complex and morally ambiguous character. Instead of presenting him as a straightforward hero, Villeneuve’s adaptation delves into Paul’s internal conflicts and the ethical dilemmas he faces, highlighting the darker aspects of his character and his journey.
What themes does Dune explore through the character of Paul Atreides?
Dune explores themes of power, destiny, identity, and the consequences of messianic narratives through the character of Paul Atreides. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the complexities of leadership.
Why is Paul Atreides’ character considered controversial?
Paul Atreides’ character is considered controversial because of the moral ambiguity surrounding his actions and decisions. While he is portrayed as a central figure in the fight against oppression, his methods and the outcomes of his choices raise questions about the nature of heroism and the pursuit of power.
What role does Paul Atreides play in the broader narrative of Dune?
Paul Atreides serves as the protagonist of Dune, driving much of the narrative with his journey from a young nobleman to a messianic figure. His actions shape the fate of Arrakis and its people, ultimately leading to profound societal and political changes throughout the universe.
How does Paul Atreides’ character evolve throughout the Dune series?
Throughout the Dune series, Paul Atreides undergoes significant personal and ideological transformations. He grapples with his identity, his role as a leader, and the ethical implications of his actions, leading to a complex and nuanced character arc.
What impact does Paul Atreides have on the other characters in Dune?
Paul Atreides’ actions and decisions have a profound impact on the other characters in Dune, shaping their allegiances, beliefs, and destinies. His relationships with characters like Chani, Lady Jessica, and the Fremen are central to the story’s development.
Is Paul Atreides’ character sympathetic despite his flaws?
Despite his flaws and morally questionable decisions, Paul Atreides remains a sympathetic character due to the internal struggles he faces and the complexity of his circumstances. His journey elicits empathy from readers and viewers, even as he grapples with the consequences of his choices.