Dune: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi masterpiece, is finally hitting the theaters on March 1, 2024. The film promises to be bigger, better, and bolder than the first part, as it follows the journey of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his allies as they wage war against the evil forces of Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) and Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) on the desert planet of Arrakis. But before you dive into the epic conclusion of this space saga, here are some things you need to remember from the first movie and some new details you need to know about the second one.

What happened in Dune: Part One?

Dune: Part One, which was released in October 2021, introduced us to the complex and fascinating world of Dune, set in the distant future where humanity is ruled by a feudal system of noble houses and an imperial dynasty.

The story focused on Paul Atreides, the son of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), who are assigned by the Emperor to take over the stewardship of Arrakis, also known as Dune, the only source of the spice melange, a precious substance that grants enhanced abilities and longevity. However, this is a trap set by the Emperor and the Baron, who are threatened by the popularity and power of House Atreides, and who plan to wipe them out with the help of the treacherous Dr. Yueh (Chang Chen).

On Arrakis, Paul and his family encounter the Fremen, the native people of the planet who have adapted to the harsh environment and the giant sandworms that guard the spice. Paul also meets Chani (Zendaya), a Fremen warrior and the daughter of Dr. Kynes (Sharon Duncan-Brewster), the imperial ecologist and a secret leader of the Fremen. Paul feels a strong connection to Chani, as he has seen her in his visions, which are triggered by his exposure to the spice and his latent abilities as a result of his mother being a member of the Bene Gesserit, a secretive sisterhood of women with extraordinary powers and influence.

The Harkonnen attack on the Atreides base is devastating, and Paul and Jessica barely escape with their lives, thanks to the sacrifice of Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa), Leto’s loyal friend and swordmaster. They are rescued by a group of Fremen led by Stilgar (Javier Bardem), who take them to their hidden sietch, or settlement.

There, Paul and Jessica have to prove themselves worthy of the Fremen’s trust and respect, by undergoing a series of trials and rituals. Paul also has to face Jamis (Babs Olusanmokun), a Fremen warrior who challenges him to a duel to the death. Paul reluctantly kills Jamis, earning the right to join the tribe and the name of Usul, meaning “the base of the pillar”. He also chooses the name of Paul Muad’Dib, after a desert mouse that symbolizes survival and adaptation.

The film ends with Paul and Jessica looking at the vast desert of Arrakis, where they will have to learn the ways of the Fremen and prepare for the coming war. Paul also realizes that his destiny is bigger than he imagined, as he is the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach, the one who can see the past and the future, and the messiah of the Fremen, who call him Lisan al-Gaib, or the Voice from the Outer World.

What to expect from Dune: Part Two?

Dune: Part Two, which is based on the second half of Herbert’s novel, will continue the story of Paul and his allies as they fight for the freedom of Arrakis and the galaxy. The film will feature new characters and locations, as well as more action and drama. Here are some of the things you can look forward to in the sequel:

• Paul and Chani’s romance: One of the main aspects of the second part is the relationship between Paul and Chani, who become lovers and partners in the struggle. Zendaya, who had a limited screen time in the first film, will have a much bigger role in the sequel, as she portrays Chani’s strength, courage, and devotion to Paul. Chalamet and Zendaya have praised each other’s performances and chemistry, and have expressed their excitement for the fans to see their characters’ bond on screen.
• Paul and Jessica’s transformation: Another important theme of the second part is the transformation of Paul and Jessica, who have to undergo a series of ordeals and revelations that will change them forever. One of the most crucial moments is when Jessica drinks the Water of Life, a lethal poison that can only be transmuted by the Bene Gesserit, in order to become the new Reverend Mother of the Fremen. This also affects Paul, who inherits some of her memories and abilities, and who has to face his own visions and fears. Ferguson and Chalamet have described their characters’ arcs as challenging and rewarding, and have said that they will show a darker and more complex side of them in the sequel.
• The new cast members: The sequel will introduce several new characters, some of whom are familiar to the fans of the book and the previous adaptations, and some of whom are new additions or changes. Some of the most notable ones are:
  • Feyd-Rautha: The nephew of the Baron and the rival of Paul, Feyd-Rautha is a cunning and cruel warrior who is being groomed as the heir of House Harkonnen. He is played by Austin Butler, who is known for his roles in The Shannara Chronicles and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Butler has said that he is honored to play such an iconic character, and that he has enjoyed working with Skarsgård and Bautista, who play his uncle and brother, respectively.
  • Princess Irulan: The daughter of the Emperor and the narrator of the story, Princess Irulan is a beautiful and intelligent woman who is secretly fascinated by Paul and his legend. She is played by Florence Pugh, who is known for her roles in Midsommar and Black Widow. Pugh has said that she is thrilled to join the cast of Dune, and that she has loved working with Villeneuve and Walken, who play her father and director, respectively.
  • Emperor Shaddam IV: The ruler of the known universe and the mastermind behind the plot against House Atreides, Emperor Shaddam IV is a ruthless and ambitious man who fears losing his power and prestige. He is played by Christopher Walken, who is known for his roles in The Deer Hunter and Pulp Fiction. Walken has said that he is a fan of the book and the first film, and that he is excited to play such a pivotal and villainous character.
  • Lady Margot Fenring: The wife of Count Hasimir Fenring, the Emperor’s trusted advisor and assassin, Lady Margot Fenring is a Bene Gesserit who has a secret mission involving Paul and his bloodline. She is played by Léa Seydoux, who is known for her roles in Blue Is the Warmest Colour and Spectre. Seydoux has said that she is happy to be part of the Dune universe, and that she has had a great time working with Ferguson and Rampling, who play her fellow sisters.
• The epic battles: The sequel will also feature more action and spectacle, as the war between the Atreides and the Harkonnen escalates, and the Fremen unleash their full potential. The film will showcase the massive sandworms, the ornithopters, the lasguns, the shields, and the weirding modules, as well as the hand-to-hand combat and the guerrilla tactics of the desert warriors. Villeneuve has said that he has tried to make the battles as realistic and immersive as possible, and that he has used a combination of practical and digital effects to create the stunning visuals.

Dune: Part Two is expected to be one of the biggest and most anticipated movies of 2024, and a worthy conclusion to Villeneuve’s vision of Herbert’s classic. The film has already received rave reviews from critics and audiences who have seen it at the Venice Film Festival, where it premiered on February 6, 2024. The film has also won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Score. Whether you are a fan of the book, the first film, or the sci-fi genre in general, you don’t want to miss this epic adventure that will take you to a whole new world.