The shocking twist involving Desmond Hart in Dune: Prophecy proves that he and Paul Atreides are very similar characters. Paul Atreides is the most important character in the Dune films. He is the heir of House Atreides, who was trapped on Arrakis with his mother, Lady Jessica, after his family was betrayed by the Harkonnens. However, he successfully integrates with the Fremen in Dune: Part Twoand eventually leads them into battle against the Empire's forces.
Although Dune: Prophecy takes place 10,000 years before the life of Paul Atreides, many aspects of the universe seen in the show are similar to those Dune films. For example, Arrakis is still the most important planet in the universe, and the Imperium harvests spices from its surface. In Dune: ProphecyDesmond Hart was a warrior on Arrakis who survived being swallowed by a sandworm. Desmond Hart has been one of the most mysterious characters in Dune: Prophecybut the latest revelation about his heritage proves he's the series' answer to Paul Atreides.
Desmond Hart is another product of the Harkonnen/Atreides lineage
The Atreides and Harkonnen are important families in the dune universe
Since his arrival at the Emperor's palace at the beginning of Dune: ProphecyIt's unclear exactly who Desmond Hart is. It has been theorized that Desmond Hart could potentially be a ghola, which is an artificially created clone of a person, or that he was perhaps sent by Shai-Hulud, the One God who the Fremen believe created and ruled the entire universe. However, after Valya takes a sample of his blood, the end of Dune: Prophecy episode 5 reveals that Desmond is actually part Harkonnen and part Atreides.
While Paul was raised as Atreides, Desmond was abandoned and forced to forge his own path.
The flashback scenes in Dune: Prophecy Episode 3 reveals that Tula Harkonnen, who now leads the Bene Gesserit with her sister, once dated Orry Atreides. While dating him, she accompanied him on a hunt that was also attended by all the other Atreides. Seeking revenge for her brother's death, Tula murdered all of the Atreidesexcept one. However, this didn't happen before she slept with Orry. The show has yet to reveal why or how she abandoned her and Orry's baby, but it's likely that that baby ended up being Desmond Hart.
Likewise, a large Dune: Part Two twist revealed that Lady Jessica is the daughter of Baron Harkonnen. Although she did not know about her true ancestry until the events of Dune: Part Twothis twist confirmed that Paul is also part Harkonnen and part Atreides. Therefore, both Desmond and Paul have similar bloodlines. However, while Paul was raised as an Atreides, Desmond was abandoned and forced to forge his own path, which suggests he may be seeking revenge against his mother.
Desmond Hart and Paul Atreides are powerful, prophesied characters
Unclear prophecies are linked to Desmond Hart and Paul Atreides
Although Demsond Hart was abandoned as a baby and essentially became a nobody, he became a famous warrior after several trips on Arrakis. While it's unclear exactly how Desmond survived the sandworm's attack, it's possible that the sandworm let him live after realizing his parentage. After surviving the sandworm attack, Desmond reveals he has a mysterious power that allows him to burn people alive. Furthermore, it appears to be connected to the prophecy that the Bene Gesserit call “The Reckoning” in Dune: Prophecy. Therefore, he is clearly an extremely important figure in the Empire.
Likewise, Paul Atreides is a prophesied figure in the Dune films. Many of the Fremen people refer to him as Lisan al Gaib in Dune: Part Two. Lisan al Gaib can be translated as “Water Giver” and is the prophesied Messiah of the Fremen people. The Fremen believe that Lisan al Gaib is a stranger who will save the people of Arrakis. In Dune: Part Two, the Fremen unite behind Paul and become his army in his war against the Harkonnens and the other royal houses. It's clear that Desmond and Paul are powerful characters who can influence others to side with them in the Empire's wars.
Desmond Hart is now the most important character in Dune: Prophecy
The revelation of Desmond's true identity will have a huge impact
All over Dune: Prophecy, Desmond Hart went from a warrior believed dead to one of the Emperor of the Empire's most trusted allies. Desmond has been Valya's main opponent throughout the season and now his threat level has increased even further. After the revelation that Desmond is an Atreides and a Harkonnen, he arguably became the most important character in Dune: Prophecy. This revelation connects him to two families that will become significantly more powerful in the future.
His true identity could also lead to the downfall of Valya Harkonnen, who played the main character in Dune: Prophecy. For years, she orchestrated events in the Empire with the help of her sister. However, The fact that Desmond is Tula's son will significantly complicate their relationship and could even lead them to turn against each other.. Overall, the revelation of Desmond Hart's true identity will impact the lives of almost every character in Dune: Prophecy.
Desmond Hart shows where Paul will go wrong?
Both Desmond Hart and Paul Atreides have dark sides
While there aren't necessarily many truly good characters in Dune: Prophecy, Desmond Hart was arguably portrayed as a villain. He proved to be a ruthless warrior, capable of even burning a child alive. Since he is a Harkonnen and an Atreides, just like Paul, it is possible that the Dune the film's protagonist will also follow this dark path.
Dune: Part Two has already shown a much darker version of Paul Atreides. Paul's arc in Dune: Part Two showed the dangerous side of being prophesied as a Messiah. Paul believes that fighting the Fremen is his destiny, but It's very easy for someone to use their fate as an excuse to commit truly horrible acts. Therefore, it is possible that Paul will do terrible things in the third Dune film, as well as Desmond Hart in Dune: Prophecy.