Denis Villeneuve Reflects on the Moment He Knew “Dune: Part Two” Was a Success

Upcoming plot revelations for the conclusion of Dune: Part Two… you’ve been cautioned!

Every second of the science fiction narrative Dune: Part Two is a visual delight, yet the concluding scene is undoubtedly one of the most significant moments. In a must-see finale featuring Timothée Chalamet’s protagonist Paul Atreides, we accompany Zendaya’s Chani into the arid landscape as she embarks on a graceful journey.

Alone in the vast dunes, the camera focuses intently on Chani’s expression, with Zendaya expressing her intense warrior’s fears and sorrow. It is profoundly impactful, reminding viewers that Paul’s fulfillment of his destiny is not a victory – rather, it serves as an indication that peril awaits.

It is a heartbreaking moment to conclude on, one that resonates long after. As Villeneuve himself shared with GamesRadar+, during a Zoom conversation after Dune: Part Two topped our best films of 2024 list, it is also among his favored scenes from the film. In fact, it was at this moment he realized the film was going to be a success: “It’s one of my favorite shots. I did that shot and knew I had a movie.”

But why conclude with Chani instead of the film’s central character? For Villeneuve, this bold decision was crucial to respect author Frank Herbert’s original vision of crafting Dune as a “cautionary narrative.”

He clarifies: “The concept was there right from the beginning when we started to adapt the story. Frank Herbert was disheartened by how some readers interpreted the first book, believing it was a glorification of Paul Atreides. He aimed to create a cautionary narrative, a warning about messianic and charismatic figures who utilize faith as a method of control.”

Villeneuve elaborates, noting that the key to expressing Herbert’s vision was to expand Chani’s role: “We had the notion of redefining Chani. In the book, she’s overshadowed by Paul, but we wanted to empower Chani with her own motivations, beliefs, and story. She holds different perspectives on the world than Paul.”