With Dune: Part Three on the horizon, Denis Villeneuve is set to close out what many consider the finest sci-fi trilogy of the decade. The director, known for Arrival and Blade Runner 2049, has done the seemingly impossible: translating Frank Herbert's dense, philosophical novel into a blockbuster that never loses momentum. After two stunning films, the saga will bid farewell to Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), but the real heart of the story has always been someone else.
Paul is often seen as the archetypal sci-fi hero, but that's a misconception. He's not a figure to idolize; he's a warning about the corrupting nature of power. The end of Dune: Part Two makes this clear when Paul manipulates his way to the Imperial throne, a move that's hardly heroic. His promise to lead his followers "to paradise" is a chilling euphemism for genocide. Paul isn't the protagonist—he's the antagonist, and the true hero has been hiding in plain sight all along.
Chani: The True Protagonist of Villeneuve's Dune
While Paul's quest for vengeance against the Harkonnens drives the plot, it's Chani (Zendaya) who emerges as the saga's real lead. In Dune: Part Two, she's wary of the off-worlder, but she falls for him despite her instincts. When Paul breaks his promise and seizes control of the Fremen, she feels a bitter betrayal. Chani's identity isn't tied to Paul—she's a freedom fighter first and foremost. The sequel is essentially the story of a young woman who holds onto her principles even as the man she loves becomes a stranger. By the end, it's clear that Chani is the true protagonist, even if her story is a tragedy.
This narrative choice honors Herbert's original intent for Paul while giving the story a fresh perspective. Dune: Messiah, the book that Part Three will adapt, doesn't shy away from Paul's atrocities, including the sterilization of entire planets. Chani, however, remains steadfast in her values, as hinted by the Dune: Part Three trailer. This is a significant departure from the source material, but it's one that fans have embraced. Elevating Chani to protagonist status keeps the themes intact while giving the female characters more agency.
A Character Transformed
In Herbert's novel, Chani is a fairly one-dimensional love interest, a true believer in the Lisan al-Gaib who never questions Paul. Villeneuve, however, gives her depth and conflict. The biggest change comes at the end of Dune: Part Two, when she abandons Paul as he takes power, unlike her book counterpart who accepts her role as his concubine. This shocking twist made Chani the story's real hero, and it leaves her future uncertain for book readers. The upcoming film shows her as a battle-hardened warrior, 17 years after Paul's victory, and Zendaya's performance promises to be a highlight. When you cast an actor of her caliber, the material has to match, and Chani's arc delivers.
As the trilogy concludes, it's clear that Dune is not just Paul's story—it's Chani's. Her journey from skeptic to warrior to moral compass is what makes this adaptation so compelling. With Dune: Part Three set to explore the consequences of Paul's reign, Chani's role will be more crucial than ever. For those who've followed the saga, her evolution is a testament to Villeneuve's bold storytelling. And for newcomers, it's a reminder that sometimes the true hero isn't the one with the prophecy, but the one who stands against it.
If you're looking for more epic sci-fi, check out the best action films of the decade or revisit the original Star Wars trilogy. And for a look at another iconic trilogy, see Chris Pine's Star Trek films.
