Frank Herbert’s DuneOpens in a new tab is a classic entry in the sci-fi novel genre. The complex story is set on the fictional Arrakis but pushes into themes and topics relevant to real life. If you’ve been curious about reading or re-reading Dune, I covered itOpens in a new tab in detail in Nerdist Book ClubOpens in a new tab a while ago and the posts might help you along. If you’ve read Dune at least once, let’s discuss fan casting.
Dune has been adapted a couple of times, and on Monday we learnedOpens in a new tab that Legendary has picked up the rights to future film and TV projects. There was the 1984 film directed by David LynchOpens in a new tab. Then there was the three-part miniseries that aired on Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy) in 2000. It was almost turned into a film by Alejandro Jodorowsky in the early ’70s; Jodorowsky’s DuneOpens in a new tab documents the unfinished and unreleased project. Between all of those on-screen turns, some casting has been spot on–like Patrick StewartOpens in a new tab as Gurney Halleck and William Hurt as Leto Atreides. Oh! And Max von SydowOpens in a new tab as Liet Kynes.
But if I had the opportunity to select the cast for a brand new adaptation (come on, Legendary, I can do a great job!), I have some ideas. In no particular order, this is who I’d choose to play the major characters:
Paul Atreides
There’s no one quite like Paul Atreides. He makes a lot of mistakes, but despite being green around the ears and immature at times, he accomplishes much despite his youth—he’s 15 when Dune begins. I know Tom HollandOpens in a new tab is busy with the whole Spider-ManOpens in a new tab business, but he could rise to the challenge of the role.
Baron Harkonnen
Baron Harkonnen is manipulative, ruthless, and grotesque. In other words, his “I’m a Villain” recipe was baked to perfection. Could you imagine how delicious Brendan GleesonOpens in a new tab would be as the Baron?
Princess Irulan
Irulan’s role in the first book of the Dune series may seem small, but she observes and documents. She has a quiet, confident air. In some ways, she reminds me of Padmé. Tiya SircarOpens in a new tab could bring such pizzazz to the role.
Lady Jessica
The Bene Gesserit and Reverend Mother Jessica is perhaps the strongest character in Dune. Selfish? Yeah, sometimes. But she bears so much and gets shit done. Kate WinsletOpens in a new tab has the poise and backbone to make Jessica come alive. [Image: HBO, iiiicyOpens in a new tab]
Gurney Halleck
I know Gurney Halleck is a master of war and exceptionally talented with weaponry, but he’s also charming with a joking side. With his affinity for music, I always picture him as a bard type. So… how about David TennantOpens in a new tab?
Duncan Idaho
Duncan Idaho’s a tricky one to cast. He’s a supremely talented Swordmaster and fighter who’s popular with the ladies. If I could pick another fictional character to portray him, I’d go with Inigo Montoya. But as far as actual actors, maybe we could gender-swap the role and Gina TorresOpens in a new tab could step in?
Duke Leto Atreides
Regal, sharp, even-handed—Duke Leto Atreides possessed some quality traits. He was gone far too soon, but he influenced many around him, including Paul and Lady Jessica. Liam NeesonOpens in a new tab could nail Leto’s self-possession and determination.
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Feyd-Rautha is meant to be the Harkonnen heir, and he is smart and capable. However, he’s also incredibly cruel–which is actually a prized Harkonnen trait. He’s about the same age as Paul, so Liam HemsworthOpens in a new tab might be a touch out of the range, but boy, I’d like to see him take on a villainous role. [Image: Lionsgate Films, BibiOpens in a new tab]
Thufir Hawat
The Mentat Thufir Hawat has served House Atreides for generations as the Master of Assassins, but he ends up being, uh, acquired by Baron Harkonnen. He’s serious, feisty, and oh so sneaky. Idris ElbaOpens in a new tab would do a marvelous job.
Liet Kynes
As the imperial ecologist of Arrakis, Liet Kynes did his duty and worked on terraforming the climate of the desert planet into a more hospitable world with more water and growing things. He also secretly led the Fremen. Given the compassion and industriousness we saw Shaun Toub bring to Iron ManOpens in a new tab, he’d rock playing Kynes.
Glossu Rabban
Rabban, a.k.a. the Beast, has all of Baron Harkonnen’s worst qualities without an ounce of the cunning. He’s a brute, violent force. I nominate Rory McCannOpens in a new tab.
Stilgar
Stilgar is wise, patient, and grizzled–we know what all the sand did to Obi-Wan, it’s the same on Arrakis. Anyway. How perfect would Liam CunninghamOpens in a new tab be as the Fremen leader? [Image: HBO, jacquelinOpens in a new tab]
I know you have opinions about this. Head to the comments and tell me who you’d cast in a Dune adaptation. As you might have noticed, Chani’s missing from my list. I can’t think of the right actress. Help me out! While you’re at it, tell me what kind of format you think would work best—film, limited TV series, etc.
And no, I didn’t mean to pick three actors named Liam.
Featured Image: Syfy Channel
