Denis Villeneuve reflects on one of his favorites Dune: Part Two shots. Dune: Part Two was a huge success, grossing over $700 million worldwide, surpassing its predecessor's earnings and becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 2024. The film was the second half of Villeneuve's adaptation of the legendary fictional novel scientific film by Frank Herbert, following the rise of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) on the planet Arrakis. Among the film's many standout moments, one scene in particular helped Villeneuve achieve his specific vision.
Talking to GamesRadar+, Villeneuve spoke about the meaning of the final scene of Dune: Part Two and how it encapsulates the essence of Herbert's work. He described this as “one of my favorite photos,” revealing how this shaped the film's message. He explained that this scene, centered on Chani (Zendaya), embodies the story's themes and serves as a pivotal moment that changes the audience's perception of Paul. In his own words:
It's one of my favorite photos. I did that scene and I knew there was a movie. The idea was there right from the beginning, when we started writing this adaptation. It all came from the knowledge that Frank Herbert was disappointed with how some people perceived the first book, thinking it was a celebration of Paul Atreides. Herbert himself wanted to correct this perception, because he wanted it to be a warning about messianic figures, charismatic figures, people who use religion as a form of power. So he wrote a second book called Dune Messiah.
Knowing this, we tried to respect his initial ideas of creating a cautionary tale, ensuring that this was perceived by the public. We had the idea of ​​transforming Chani. In the book she's in Paul's shadow, but we wanted to give Chani her own agenda here, her own beliefs, her own story. She has a different worldview than Paul. So the film was structured around their relationship, so at the beginning of the third act we embrace Chani's perspective more. And from her perspective, we can see where Paul strays from his path, becoming something he was afraid of becoming. It becomes our moral compass. It was therefore very important to finish the film about Chani since that is our angle, our opinion.
What this means for Dune: Part Two
Recasting Paul and elevating Chani's role
In adapting Herbert's cautionary tale, Villeneuve made the decision to change the narrative to reflect a more balanced perspective. Although Paul remains vital to the plot, Dune: Part Two positions Chani as a crucial moral compass, especially in the third act. Villeneuve's decision to focus on Chani and redefine the ending of the second film is an example of how adaptations can honor the deeper themes of their source material in a meaningful way. By framing the story through Chani's eyes, Villeneuve not only gives him a more dynamic role, but also encourages viewers to reevaluate their opinions of Paul.
This artistic decision brings to light Herbert's original intention of portraying Paul as a flawed, cautionary figure rather than a glorified hero. By making Chani the lens through which the audience experiences the end of Dune: Part Twothe film is able to use its unique perspective to highlight Paul's transformation into the figure he once feared becoming. This approach increases the complexity of the characters and shows the director's dedication to creating a careful and faithful adaptation of Herbert's novels.
Our opinion on Villeneuve's vision
A successful decision
Villeneuve's ability to reinterpret Herbert's work while remaining true to its central message speaks to his mastery as a filmmaker. His emphasis on Chani's perspective not only revitalizes his character but also brings light to the dangers of blindly following messianic figures. This move strengthens the impact of the story and demonstrates Villeneuve's commitment to defying audience expectations.
The climactic scene that Villeneuve refers to as a decisive moment in Dune: Part Two is more than just visually appealing, encapsulates the themes of power, transformation, and morality which are central to Herbert's novels. By highlighting these elements, Villeneuve ensures that the Dune The films honor their origins while standing out as a masterful cinematic saga that encapsulates the powerful cautionary tales Herbert wrote that are so vital today.
Source: GamesRadar+