The Future of the Dune Saga: Predictions and Expectations
Frank Herbert’s Dune saga, a cornerstone of science fiction literature, has captivated audiences for decades with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and profound exploration of themes like power, religion, and ecology. With the recent release of Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptation, interest in the Dune universe has been rekindled, leading many to wonder: how is the Dune saga predicted to continue?
Continuation of the Film Series
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021) only covers the first half of Herbert’s initial novel, leaving ample material for future films. The director has expressed his intention to create a trilogy, with the second film already confirmed by Legendary Pictures. Villeneuve has stated, “My dream is to do the second part of the book and then go straight to Dune Messiah, the second book in the series.”1
Exploring the Extended Universe
Frank Herbert wrote six books in the Dune series, but his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson expanded the universe with numerous prequels, sequels, and companion books. These works delve into the history of the Dune universe, the rise and fall of House Atreides, and the far-reaching consequences of Paul Atreides’ reign. While these books have been met with mixed reviews, they provide a wealth of material that could be adapted into films, TV series, or other media.
Television Spin-offs
Legendary Television is already developing a spin-off series for HBO Max titled Dune: The Sisterhood, which will explore the mysterious Bene Gesserit. This indicates a willingness to delve into the wider Dune universe and could pave the way for more spin-offs focusing on other aspects of the Dune lore, such as the Mentats, the Spacing Guild, or the Fremen.
Video Games and Other Media
The Dune universe has previously been adapted into video games, most notably the strategy game Dune II, which is considered a progenitor of the real-time strategy genre. With the renewed interest in Dune, it’s possible we could see new video games, graphic novels, or even virtual reality experiences set in the Dune universe.
Conclusion: A Universe of Possibilities
The future of the Dune saga is ripe with possibilities. Whether it’s through film sequels, television spin-offs, or other media, there’s a wealth of material to explore. As Villeneuve said, “Dune is a world. There’s so many stories to tell.”2 It’s an exciting time to be a Dune fan, and we can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next.
Footnotes:
- Denis Villeneuve, interview with Variety, October 2021.
- Denis Villeneuve, interview with IndieWire, October 2021.
