However, the truth of the matter has always been that Dune is a controversial story when viewed through the eyes of people of color. Though the surface level interpretation of the story falling into the “White-Savior” trope has been disputed as being (as Villeneuve puts it) actually a critique on the idea of messianic figures trying to dominate their subjects, many still go back and forth around the idea that author Frank Herbert may be wanting to have his cake and eat it too by making his White protagonist be a complex and sympathetic character at the end of it all. That being said, based on his responses, Villeneuve is firmly on the side of the story being a criticism or condemnation on individuals who deem themselves the saviors of indigenous individuals, so I have to believe that’s where he is going with his interpretation of the story, as opposed to what David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation did.
Thus, for all the spectacle and cinematic accomplishments the Dune saga has to offer, at the end of the day, the most exciting thing about the future of this franchise will be seeing whether or not a director as talented and intelligent as Villeneuve can pull off an adaptation of the novel that truly lives up to the critical interpretation he’s committed to showcasing in his vision. Will he be able to pull it off? Perhaps for now, only the Bene Gesserit can know for sure.