Warner Bros. released the second trailer for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two. Covering the second half of Frank Herbert’s seminal science fiction novel, Dune: Part Two will see Paul Atreides become a warrior, leading the Fremen tribe to a battle against the Harkonnens to avenge his father’s slaughter at their hands and take back control of the spice melange. The trailer showcases the movie’s expansive scope and new characters with some interesting reveals, great dialogue in the form of one-liners and an epic score that together, scream for a movie that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
Where the first part focused a lot more on table-setting and world-building, the second part seems like it’s roaring to get started. This reflects in both, the trailer’s overall tone as well as the glimpses of performances from its lead cast, who appeared restrained and held back in the first movie, but emerge from their shells in explosive ways. Most notable is Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, who leads the charge, transforming himself into a leader, unafraid of the fiercest of threats. As promised previously, Zendaya’s Chani and Javier Barden’s Stilgard are slated to have much bigger roles this time around.
Paul of course is up against formidable threats. The Harkonnens being the evil, ruthless family that has a firm grip on the spice trade in Arrakis remain the central antagonists. They have a new addition in Feyd-Rautha, played menacingly by Austin Butler, whose showdown with Paul should be a fight for the ages. But there are also bigger players pulling the strings from afar. Christopher Walken is revealed in the role of Emperror Shaddam IV, who takes a more hands-off approach to the feud between the two families. Depicted as a frail old man who looks no older than 30 in the book thanks to his consumption of the spice, it’ll be interesting to see if Villeneuve uses de-aging technology to bring the Emperor to life.
There’s a lot to unpack about the movie’s plot from the trailer, but of course all is already known seeing as it’s an adaptation. What’s not known though is the treatment that Villeuenve intends to give this magnum opus, of which the second trailer provides us with our first glimpses. Cinematographer Greig Fraser captures some gorgeous frames and expansive landscapes, all while maintaining focus on characters, as is evident from the plenty of close-ups. Hans Zimmer’s score and drums send shivers and induce goosebumps. Warner Bros. also appears to have spent lavishly on the film’s production, as is evident by the numerous large scale crowds and battles that we’re witness to. There’s no doubt technically, Dune: Part Two will turn out to be nothing less than outstanding.
Given the tremendously positive reception garnered by 2021’s Dune, I personally see Dune: Part Two as a winner already. The first one made fans of original science-fiction excited in a really long time. My only regret with the second one is that this may very well conclude the first book. Villeneuve has previously expressed hope for maybe one more movie, and I sure as hell hope that it comes to pass.
Dune: Part Two releases in theaters on November 3, 2023. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, it is an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel Dune and features a stellar, ensemble cast that sees Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, and Javier Bardem reprise their roles from the first movie, with new entrants Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken joining the cast.
