The Emperor keeping his distance from the events that unfold on Arrakis is actually a vital part of his overall scheme. Related: Dune: What Sandworms Look Like In Every Adaptation To do so, he employs the help of House Harkonnen, the sworn enemies of House Atreides. 2021's Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve, keeps his identity a mystery, instead having him act as a sort of puppet master, clearly influencing the violent events without getting directly involved. He is only referred to by other characters, even though the story calls for him to hugely impact the second part of the story that will be covered in Dune 2. Honor-bound to answer the call of the Emperor, House Atreides leaves their homeworld of Caladan and are thrust into a complex political conflict wrought with subterfuge and betrayal.Īlthough he is a major player in the world of Dune, the Emperor is never shown in the movie. The film follows Paul Atreides and his family, led by the Duke Leto Atreides, as they relocate to the desert planet, Arrakis, also called Dune, the only source of the most valuable commodity in the universe, spice.

The Emperor in Dune and his rule over the Imperium and the war he incites is complex here it is explained.