Many film studios declared that the “Dune” book series was unadaptable and could never happen due to its zany world and convoluted narrative. 

That was until director Denis Villeneuve decided to take on the challenge. 

Villeneuve directed and released “Dune: Part One” in Oct. 2021; with rising star, Timothee Chalamet headlining the film and a promise of a future second part.

The acclaimed director followed through with his promise and unveiled “Dune: Part Two” in theaters this March. The second part has captivated audiences and critics alike with raving receptions.

The eccentric wasteland of the planet Arrakis has spurred many to become fans of “Dune.”

Despite its ongoing popularity, many wonder where exactly Dune originated?”

In 1965, Frank Herbert was inspired by Middle Eastern religions and wrote what became “Dune.” The series would go on to have six mainline books published before Herbert’s passing in 1986.

The series chronicles the futuristic world of Arrakis caught up in political schemes and machinations implemented by feuding powerful families. 

Both the book and the film delve into themes of power, fanaticism, and following one’s destiny. 

“Dune: Part Two” picks up after the events of “Dune: Part One” with Paul Atredies and his mother, Lady Jessica, joining the rambunctious group the Fremen in order to survive. While learning the ways of Arrakis, Paul finds himself becoming a messianic figure for the Fremen and leads a political uprising as the prophecy foretold.

Villeneuve is a visionary director with an innate sense of direction and craft within his movies. Villeneuve’s filmography consists of films like “Blade Runner 2049,” “Prisoners” and “Arrival,” just to name a few. 

His love for “Dune” and the world Herbert created is palpable and gives rise to much of the audience’s exuberance regarding the film. 

The film surpasses its predecessor in every possible way, leaving the audience astonished at what true cinema is meant to be.

In addition to Chalamet, the cast consists of iconic names including Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh.

Chalamet has reprised his role as Paul while bringing a different approach on how to play the main protagonist. He builds Paul from a former naive teenager to a fanatic leader that you cannot decipher whether to adore or despise, all based on Chalamet’s gravitas and undeniable acting talent.

“I think at the beginning of the first film, he’s [Paul] really protected by his privilege literally behind walls. By the end of this movie, without giving too much away, he fully assumes his position as a leader; it’s a wonderful thing to play as an actor,” beamed Chalamet in an interview with The Associated Press.

Zendaya plays the character Chani, who is Paul’s lover. In addition, Chani acts as the audience’s perception of Paul during his religious uprising.

Zendaya is given much more to do this time around than her limited screen time in “Dune: Part One,” which she flawlessly portrays and is a resonating sounding board for the audience to empathize with.

Butler takes on the menacing role of Feyd Rautha, a villain consumed by rage and inflicting pain on others. Butler proves his acting talent and shows how threatening his character can be simply with his on-screen presence. 

The film has a staggering run time of 2 hours and 46 minutes, which breezes past as you are glued to the screen.

Hans Zimmer composed the music for the film and his work enhances it to a grander and truly epic scale. Every note, every melody, and every instrument perfectly captures the essence of “Dune” along with the barren landscape of Arrakis.

“Dune: Part Two” is nothing short of a masterpiece that evokes the early days of cinematic marvels like “Ben Hur” and “Lawrence of Arabia.”

With audiences clamoring and critics loving the second installment, this certainly will not be the end of the Dune franchise; Villeneuve is beginning to adapt “Dune Messiah,” upon Legendary officially greenlighting “Dune 3.”

“I have worked the past six years nonstop, it’s a blessing but it would be nice to make sure that if we do “Dune Messiah”… that I want to make the best movie ever so I want to take my time,” remarked Villeneuve in an interview with Collider Interviews.