We're Finally Returning To The Deserts In 'Dune:' Who Could We See In The Pivotal Roles?

Dune is one of the most iconic and pivotal novels in all of science fiction, and there have been countless attempts to bring Frank Herbert's seminal novel to the screen in a way that both fans and Herbert could approve of. Dune was first written over 50 years ago, and it wasn't until the early 70s that filmmakers first attempted to adapt the novel; each time failing to match the emotion of the original novel. It wasn't until 1984 when David Lynch first attempted to bring Dune to the big screen starring Kyle MacLachlan, Patrick Stewart and Virginia Madsen yet it is often seen a huge bomb with mid-range reviews. The film adaptation, although it was seen as a failure, proved that the story is primed for making the big screen.

Thanks to Legendary Pictures making a deal with the Herbert estate, they now have acquired both the Film and TV rights to all the material within Dune. And that is great news for Legendary seeing as they've been looking for a universal property to become their major franchise; and that is exactly what Dune has the potential to do.

Dune tells a story set in the distant future in which we find Paul Atreides accepting control of the desert planet Arrakis. In this possible future, the galaxy is lorded over by royal families, and the Atreides family's control of the resource laced planet of Arrakis is highly contested. The noble families battle for control is enough that Paul and his family are betrayed which leads Paul on a journey of self-understanding and eventually brings him to leading a rebellion to restore his families power.

Honestly, Dune is often considered one of the crown jewels of science fiction, and has brought influence to nearly everything from Star Trek to Alien. It is often compared to the Lord of The Rings as the science fiction story that sprawls across worlds and has a well-developed and multi-dimensional political landscape.

So with the news that Legendary is planning to bring Dune back as a major franchise piece both on TV and big screen, we get to start wondering how they'll bring Dune to life and who could possibly portray these iconic characters.

The House Atreides

The Atreides family is the main focus of Dune as they control Arrakis prior to the betrayal, and Paul fights to regain control.

Paul - Aaron Tveit

Paul is the main character, and honestly it was hard for me to narrow down my choice. I went through all the main young actors that I could think of and nobody just popped out at me, considering that Paul is both driven and understated. Then I started watching BrainDead and there he was - Aaron Tveit. Aaron plays well in BrainDead but his role in the USA drama, Graceland, makes me believe that he's perfect to portray Paul Atreides.

Duke Leto - Iain Glen

Duke Leto is known by many as Leto the Just, and his leadership is known to be even-handed and compassionate. His charisma and honor among the other royal families is ultimately what caused the conspiracy to remove the House Atreides from their seat of power on Arrakis. Iain Glen just matches those characteristics in countless roles, but most recently in Game of Thrones. Iain commands a certain level or respect when he's on the screen and that's needed in the role of the Duke of Atreides.

Lady Jessica - Katheryn Winnick

Katheryn Winnick has had a varied career in Hollywood, playing in both comedic roles and badass roles. Her portrayal of Lagertha in History Channel's series Vikings is what makes me think she's perfect for the role of Lady Jessica. Now that may seem strange, but if you watched the first season her heart was devoted to her husband and her family through all the turmoil. Her intelligence and competency for adventure would suit the character of Lady Jessica rather well.

Alia - Maisie Williams

Alia is the younger sister to Paul, and was present for the events of Paul's rebellion against the Harkonnen stranglehold on Arrakis. Alia was pre-born and because of this had a predisposition to insanity as she was able to comprehend her own personality long before actually being born. Alia became known for her skill with a blade, and if my memory of Game of Thrones serves me well, Maisie Williams is a well versed fighter.

The House Harkonnen

The Harkonnen family is as pivotal as the Atreides family, as they are the primary source of fighting over the control of Arrakis. The Harkonnen line is in stark opposition to how they rule and the values they present as compared to the Atreides line.

Baron Vladimir - Brendan Gleeson

If everything was perfect, then Ian McNeicee would return for this role as he was absolutely stunning in the 3-part Sci-Fi mini series in 2000 and the sequel in 2003. But if Ian won't return then my vote would be for Brendan Gleeson. Baron Vladamir is power-hungry and will stop at nothing to garner more power and authority. Yet through all the treachery, he has shown an incredible insight when it comes to understanding people, and Brendan would go a long way to recreating this character.

Glossu "Beast" Rabban - Tom Hardy

The penchant for cruelty and sadism didn't skip his generation. Glossu is the eldest nephew of Baron Vladimir, but was deemed too brutal to be a good leader. Yet Baron Vladimir was willing to give him rule of Arrakis for a time so that his brutality could be seen as dictatorial and when Feyd-Rautha gained power he would be seen as a hero in comparison. Glossu would need to be portrayed by someone who just oozes power and dominance and that instantly makes me think Tom Hardy.

Feyd-Rautha - Alex Pettyfer

The younger nephew, and preferred successor, Feyd-Rautha was smart and charismatic yet also devoted to the Harkonnen culture of cruelty and obedience. Feyd-Rautha would require an actor that has both presence and a quick wit when compared to the portrayal by Sting in the original film. As the younger nephew, Feyd-Rautha would need to be young enough to still be learning but old enough to take command. And I believe that Alex Pettyfer would be perfect for this role opposite Tom Hardy as Glossu.

The Bene Gesserit Order

The Bene Gesserit are an ancient order of women that through their actions, and sometimes inaction, have shaped the evolution of the culture and people on the galaxy.

Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam - Tilda Swinton

Although it's a crazy long shot to get both of these incredible actresses into the roles of the Reverend Mothers, but as important as they are to the story I think they are truly fantastic in terms of potential. Tilda Swinton would be incredible as Gaius Helen Mohiam as she attempts to sway Jessica and Paul towards her way of thinking.

Reverend Mother Ramallo - Helen Mirren

Because seriously how awesome would it be to have the great Dame Helen Mirren in the role. The Reverend Mother Ramallo is a unique character in the story of Dune, as there is some myth to where she originated. The lore points to her either being a rouge Reverend Mother or simply a Fremen woman who took the Water of Life and learned to communicate with her ancestors. Helen Mirren would be incredible in this role as she interacts with both Paul and Jessica.

The Fremen

As the locals who take in the escaping people from the House Atreides, the Freman are who assist Paul when he returns to take the throne from House Harkonnen.

Chani - Sharni Vinson

In a film you probably didn't see, Sharni Vinson completely captured the spotlight in You're Next. She goes from scream queen to unstoppable survivalist in the blink of an eye. She would be a perfect choice for Chani since she is a character who grew into a formidable warrior as well as long-lasting lover of Paul and the mother of his children.

Stilgar - Travis Fimmel

Stilgar was a prominent leader among the Freman people who inhabited Arrakis. Stilgar became quick friends with Duncan Idaho and it's through this bond that Paul and Jessica escape from the Harkonnen attack. Stilgar is a strong warrior, and honestly I couldn't imagine anyone portraying that raw power any better than Travis Fimmel especially because of his role in Vikings.

Other Characters

There are countless other characters, but I wanted to take note of a few key characters as they are pivotal to the story progressing.

Gurney Halleck - Philip Winchester

Now, it's truly very difficult to be recast in a role that was previously portrayed by Patrick Stewart, but I believe that Philip Winchester is ideally suited for the role because of his background in Strike Back. Gurney Halleck was considered the warmaster for House Atreides and his skill with the sword was second-to-none. His loyalty and honor were never questioned, and he quickly became Paul's favorite teacher.

Duncan Idaho - Daniel Wu

Duncan is one of the right-hand men who served Duke Leto. Duncan is a master swordfighter, and after watching Daniel Wu as Sunny in Into The Badlands, he had me sold as the honorable warrior. (And for future films he'd be fantastic considering what his character has in the lore.)

Princess Irulan - Emily Kinney

Princess Irulan has an important role to play in the story as her father the Padishah Emperor (the ruler of the known universe - who should be portrayed by Damien Lewis by the way) and the Bene Gesserit order sought to use Irulan as a tool to bring down the House Atreides. After Paul successfully leads his rebellion he marries the princess, in title only though. The Princess is on the younger side, and I think Emily Kinney would be perfect for the role as she's proven that she can play younger characters (she's 31 now) and she has a good mix of defiance and subterfuge in her personality.