Dune: Who is The Emperor Explained in FIVE Minutes

Who is the Emperor everyone keeps mentioning? Allow me to explain!
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[@peachypietro9980]

Love how the movie treated the emperor. Only spoken of through subtext, not through exposition.

[@MetaSynForYourSoul]

And not shown! We see his power on display not his pomp. It's good stuff! His roll is in the shadows.

[@MegaDringus]

Riveting take... This movie left a lot to be desired imo.

[@MetaSynForYourSoul]

@@MegaDringus To each their own i always say. If you like it you like it, if not that's cool too. I can see why someone wouldn't like it honestly. It definitely isn't for everyone. Plus it wasn't marketed as a part 1 which threw allot of people off. They thought they were getting 1 whole Dune story. Instead it's every much Act 1 of a grand story. They ain't sell it like that so a lot of folks felt betrayed, bait and switched, when they find out after sitting down. I personally wanted more actually. It didn't feel like 2.5 hrs in the end did me and I could've easily sat through another hour. But hey thanks for giving it a shot though.

[@MegaDringus]

@@MetaSynForYourSoul I don't think it was horrible, honestly it was a good watch. It also really didn't feel as long as it was. There was a lot of exposition missing imo, just from having read the books. Although that's going to happen no matter what on the "silver screen". Taking a story like dune and trying to unpack it in a movie just comes out sort of cramped and rushed imo.

[@MetaSynForYourSoul]

@@MegaDringus Who knows? Maybe one day will get that 4hr expanded edition of this like I got to see all those years ago of the 84 Lynch "movie"...

[@Grimloxz]

This series you started is EXCELLENT. I wanted a primer for new folk to the Duniverse without spoiling them and being overly long and these mini-instructionals are PERFECT.

[@flybeep1661]

Duneverse sounds better if you have to make it a "verse" word.

[@colors6692]

@@flybeep1661 Way better than "Duniverse"😂

[@souju4]

@@flybeep1661pp😊

[@OdintheGermanShepherd]

I hope the emperors throne room is crazy, outlandish, wildly decadent, oozing wealth and power to an unheard of degree.

[@neeshashah263]

I'm sure it will be but the film makers seem to not like to focus and have wide shots of everything, remember how the bene geserit ship was hidden in darkness, they want to focus more of symbolism and telling the story through showing it since we don't have an inner monologue with Paul

[@barrybend7189]

So the David Lynch version of the throne room?

[@billybillee8160]

like a rapper you mean

[@LiamDillen]

I wouldn't be surprised if an entire country is his palace

[@commiehunter733]

He need a library in there also, with walls full of books and the smell of mahogany.... Perhaps scrolls laying on table tops, too

[@robweissman5952]

Charles Dance would crush this part.

[@retrojay86]

Indeed

[@csffee6093]

he looks the part

[@barbiquearea]

@@csffee6093 Based on the book I feel he maybe a little too old. Also in my opinion Charles Dance is good at playing stern and badass characters, but Shaddam IV Corrino for all his intelligence and gravitas was a ruler who was mostly out of his depth. I always someone like Alan Tudyk would be more suited to play him than Charles Dance.

[@brotherjohnnyxXxX]

@@barbiquearea Alan Tudyk is a comedian and looks like a fool.

[@bangslamwham88]

Charles Dance is too old IMO. I was thinking of someone like Michael Fassbender or Damian Lewis.

[@Raygo.]

Who is the Emperor? My money's on Palpatine... he always comes back.

[@jacobcasey5202]

Somehow palpatine has returned

[@HeloisGevit]

@@jacobcasey5202 That like always cracks me up.

[@dewittbourchier7169]

If they got Ian McDiarmid to play the Emperor it would help me wash away a lot of the stink of the Fall of Skywalker. Shaddam IV does have shades of Palpatine very capable of being affable, warm, personable then immediately intimidating almost everyone with a calm but menacing 'silence' - and McDiarmid is good at doing that kind of volte face like no other.

[@jacobcasey5202]

@@dewittbourchier7169 I like that casting. Him, Charles dance and Anthony Hawkins are my wishlist

[@dewittbourchier7169]

@@jacobcasey5202 Anthony Hopkins I think would work better as Thufir Hawat (but they already have him cast). If not Ian McDiarmid or Charles Dance then I think the following would also be good: Mads Mikkelsen, Michael Fassbender, Damian Lewis or James McAvoy. All I think could capture the Emperor's flamboyance and brooding, scheming intelligence. As although the Emperor is to some extent trapped by the Bene Gesserit they are constantly unnerved by how he is able to break their control, manipulation and even do some successful - if minor - counter scheming against them.

[@carolynallisee2463]

Whilst he made quite a show of his strength, Shaddam IV was actually a weak Emperor. Part of this vulnerability stems from the fact that whilst Jessica disobeyed her sisters and birthed a son, Shaddam's wife, also a Bene Gesserit, obeyed, giving her husband only four daughters. Without a male heir, Shaddam knew he was going to be the very last Corrino Emperor, with Irulan's future husband taking the throne and founding a new dynasty. He could see, without any 'help' from the Bene Gesserit or other organisations in the Empire, that sooner or later, he would have to wed Irulan off to some scion from a Great House, and in private, to Irulan herself, confessed that if the timing had been right, Leto Atreides would have been his choice for her. In truth, because he hadn't married Jessica, Leto was still a suitable match for Irulan... but, by then, the Duke's popularity had grown so much that he, Shaddam, could see he'd be forced to abdicate in his son-in-law's favour, something he wasn't prepared to do. Hence the elaborate plot incorporating House Harkonnen. In fact, the very fate he went to such lengths to avoid did occur, but not with the man who was his cousin, but with that man's son...

[@helentee9863]

I don't know that you could really say this was because the Emperor was weak, so much as that it demonstrates the characters of both Leto &Jessica. Jessica loved Leto so much that she was able to put aside her training, which is a great way to show how truly noble Leto is,while it also demonstrates that The Sisterhood doesn't have the total understanding, or control, that it likes to think it has. Emotion,so despise by The Sisterhood really is THAT powerful!

[@patriarch7237]

Might have been the BG intention that when Jessica's daughter and Feyd-Rautha produce the Kwisatz Haderach, he would then be paired off with Irulan and inherit the throne, since Shaddam is not allowed legitmate sons as you say. So the BG control the Emperor and KW as a single person. The timing seems a bit off (Irulan is the same generation as the KW's parents) but with spice extending lifespans of the super-rich, this is doable. Also, a generation further on, even a spice-extended Shaddam might be due to die and pass on the throne.

[@jorgeoliveira2383]

He was weak because he was a wicked man, and he was wicked because of the historical environment he was born. He killed several wives to have this needed son, but the witches killed the ones they didn't control, and when they could no longer control, they made him sterile. His weakness were elsewhere.

[@nytoy8]

OOOh loved the way you explained this. Thanks. I can't wait for the 2nd part.

[@thecheekychinaman6713]

I've always been confused as why the house leaders keep wedding bene gesserits given this risk. Or why not take mistresses.

[@razernc]

I loved the scene on Salusa Secundus with the Sardaukar, one of my favourite bits of the film.

[@glennkammerer795]

I think Irulan's recollections of her father given in many of the chapter intro's in Dune paint a more sympathetic and capable person than that depicted in this video. He may have been paranoid, sure, but Shaddam was no dummy, was in fact very cunning. He just had the misfortune of being emperor when Paul happened.

[@BenthiccBiomancer]

Keep in mind, of all the people who would look kindly on Shaddam, his own daughter is probably top of that list. That said, (to duck briefly into the spoilers of future books!) Paul isn't exactly much of an improvement either. At least for the billions of lives on the receiving end of the Fremen...

[@timdixon3391]

Spoilers: Yes, the whole premise of dune is a warning against blindly following a messianic leader. Humanity has many historical errors (in dune history) that nearly topple all civilization. The fremin jihad'd kills literally billions of people that refuse to submit to big daddy Paul. In fact, it is Paul's son that makes the ultimate self sacrifice to lead humanity onto the "golden path" that once again through spice presentience assures the countinuation of the species. I am so jealous 😭 of you new readers that get to unravel the dune universe and discover just how damn good of a world builder and author Frank Herbert was. His boy though....he is ok

[@CompetitivelyAwesome]

Reminds of me of Daraius III who was the head of the Persian Empire when Alexander the Great came knocking. Daraius by most accounts was perfectly competent and even outmaneuvered Alexander before the battle of Issus, but by god the poor guy had some shit luck to be born then and facing off against a foe like Alexander.

[@S3Cs4uN8]

@@CompetitivelyAwesome When you actually read up on all the shit Alexander got up to during his conquests it goes beyond a miracle that he even pulled it off, he had some astronomically comical good luck. I'd certainly understand anyone back then who said Alexander had the gods on his side because fucking hell it reads out like he was using cheat codes IRL.

[@Drawnartist]

He killed Leto outta jealously. Fuck him

[@gasmonkey1000]

Definitely an interesting character. The most interesting bit of him is how he was offered, in the books, a beautiful concubine, nearly perfect in beauty, but he declined though he was tempted. I definitely see him as an example of the Sword of Damocles and a Machiavellian villain. I think he planned to get rid of Harkonnen too.

[@danelamoreaux4166]

Definitely they are more wealthy than him.

[@barbiquearea]

Yes I believe he was planning on moving on the Harkonnens eventually as he had good reason to be paranoid of the Baron even more so than he did with Duke Leto.

[@gasmonkey1000]

@@barbiquearea I mean it wouldn't be like there would be many opposed to it. The emperor could roll out the tragedy of the Atriedes, call on the old allies and friends of Paul and Leto, then pull the same song and dance that befell the Atriedes with Sardukar disguised as "surprisingly competent and heroic soldiers, seeking justice for the noble Atriedes."

[@sundoga4961]

I suspect that Shaddam IV's plan as regards the Harkonnens was more subtle. While Vladimir was alive, he knew the Harkonnens would be well led and the Spice would flow. But Feyd-Rautha was a callow youth and Rabban was a fool, so once Vladimir was out of the picture, he could subtly move against spice-mining efficiency on Arrakis, not enough to create a crisis but sufficiently to discredit the Harkonnen fiefdom on Arrakis, especially in the eyes of CHOAM and the Guild. He could then use the disruption to replace the Harkonnen fiefdom with a house better suited to House Corrino's alignment, permanently this time, and without the vast wealth of the Spice trade the Harkonnens would be just another house of the Landsraad. This would also have the advantage of not creating another power vacuum in the Landsraad so soon after House Atreides' departure.

[@TheErockaustin]

​@@sundoga4961 Or he could have rallied the other houses to eliminate the Harkonnens as punishment for attacking the Atreides, then hold a "vote" on a new (and pre-selected) house to run the spice operations. A house his daughter would then marry into.

[@TheMadTube]

Quinn, these videos are just amazing. I already have read the books but still gladly watch these bullet points. Excellent job, as always.

[@scottwarthin1528]

F. Herbert once spoke about the Emperor's power dynamic w/the Landsdraad nobles as being that of the Holy Roman Empire's same relationships: nominal emperor of all ruling petty feudal units of widely varying sizes, populaces and degrees of urbanization. Asimov's Foundation Imperium was to the Roman Empire's administration as Herbert's Noble Peerage in Dune was to the pre-reformation Holy Roman Empire.

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Nice summation from the outside (still) looking in! Which epic sci-fi civ story between the two is your personal favorite and which do you think does civ, space, time, theme “better”?

[@barbiquearea]

Personally I think House Corrino and their imperial court took inspiration from both the Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. Like the HRE the emperor had nominal authority over the fiefdoms of the Imperium but his authority could only stretch so far and most of the time needed a strong army to assert his rule against the over-powerful nobles of the empire. But like the Byzantines, the imperial court on Kaitain was fraught with plots and schemes between powerful factions with their own competing interests, and a lot of the times the emperor was at the mercy of powerful actors in his court. Also I've always saw the Sardaukar as somewhat inspired by the Varangian Guard, as they were elite-hardy warriors who hail from the chilling and hard climate of Scandinavia and the Kievan Rus. They were some of the best fighting men the empire had, whose members were directly loyal to the emperor and turned the tides of many battles for the Byzantines.

[@nicoschmidt4357]

It is also inspired by the Ottoman Empire, as can be seen from the name Padisha and the concept of the Janissary (Sardauker).

[@scottwarthin1528]

@@genghisgalahad8465 For me its all about Gene Rodenberry, AC Clarke & the Herbert's works being the cornerstone of today's Sci-Fi with a 2nd tier having the likes of Asimov. Anything "Star Wars" are dumbing down rip offs of Dune & Asimov's works, infantilized for mass distribution. Dune 2021, for being as long as 1st release is, could've had more of the book's dialogue. Certainly put all the ecological Liet-Kynes scenes into the movie even if just hints which can be released as full scenes in a future director's cut.

[@ItsRyanDunn]

I have to admit, I’ve been following you for years, mainly for ASOIAF theories & predictions. I’ve never given your Dune content much thought, as I’ve never read the books, or have seen the original film… I have to say, however, the new film was absolutely outstanding, and I cannot get enough of these videos! Thank you for producing such great content, I’ll continue to tune in, as well as watch your entire series on Dune! Cheers, Quinn!

[@bryanwchambers9734]

Welcome to the Duniverse.

[@jean-luclorusso]

Would love a vid on warfare in dune as well as any info on the other lesser known houses

[@DistantEarlyWarning]

I'm pretty sure he made a video on Dune warfare a while ago.

[@jollygreen4662]

Whats with all the sword fighting? Thry got no guns?

[@Corbomite_Meatballs]

@@jollygreen4662 It's not the guns, it's their personal shields. They block everything except for blades, when you strike someone properly. There's also the orbital artillery, the ornithopters, etc.

[@freegadflyathome]

@@jollygreen4662 he talks about this in the "why there are no robots" video....I think it's that one.

[@texabara]

To hit a shield with laser means disaster. The high tech race is so elevated, that it turn again to rely on blades and physical prowess. Nuclear bombs are made but not use, due to a prohibition.

[@Adamk24]

I can't thank you enough for the last year+ of content and how much it increased my enjoyment of finally seeing the movie.

[@happyhammer1]

I can't wait to see what actor they will pick to play the Emperor in part 2.

[@KennyWhyDoIHaveNumersNow]

Charles Dance? I think would be a good pick but it's a short role.

[@happyhammer1]

@@KennyWhyDoIHaveNumersNow that would be good. I'd really like to see John Malkovich play the emperor. He's good at playing a scheming villain.

[@manuelcb1960]

@@KennyWhyDoIHaveNumersNow too old

[@KennyWhyDoIHaveNumersNow]

That's an interesting choice, I just don't know if he has the... erm "authority" or "presence" for the role of what should be a very strong character, I'd see him as more of a bond villan in that role which I don't think fits aswel.

[@barbiquearea]

@@KennyWhyDoIHaveNumersNow I think the actor needs to show Shaddam's authority and presence while at the same time portray him as flawed because he was. Based on his description in the book, I always saw him as Alan Tudyk, who I think could portray him as a reactive ruler who puts on a show of being effective and imposing in public when in reality he's out of his depth.

[@SlowDesertPunk]

Just amazing content from you Quinn. Ive read the whole Dune series back when a was a teenager but some memories are buried in the sand ;) Thank you very much for the informative stuff you put on your channel.

[@robertpetre9378]

I can’t wait to see the Emperor in Dune part two it’s going to be great

[@i1s9m9r5]

I really hope we get a glimpse of Kaitain in Dune part 2. It would be amazing to see

[@barbiquearea]

Agreed. My guess is it will look like a bustling futuristic city-planet in the same vein as Coruscant was in Star Wars.

[@azmodanpc]

Count Fenring has to be in part 2. Some scenes with him, the Baron and the Emperor would rock.

[@neeceeboo777]

Thank you for this. I watch the movie and wanted to learn more about the Dune series. My search brought me here. I subscribed and like all videos I watched 👍🏾

[@rivernessmariposa6184]

Mads Mikkelsen would be great for this part. He could pull of mysterious, powerful, and scheming vibe.

[@p0rcs]

Great suggestion he is amazing in Hannibal, charismatic man with cunning energy

[@mill2712]

What about Lars instead?

[@christianealshut1123]

@@mill2712 You mean Mads' brother? I can see your point - he was quite a good villain in the Sherlock Holmes series, art least that's where I remember him from.

[@josephyoung6749]

I got into your channel before the new Dune movie was announced, but since it came out, your channel is more pertinent for Dune enthusiasts than ever...

[@darthsonic4135]

One thing I never got was the heavy emphasis placed upon the quality of the Atriedes soldiers in comparison to the Sardaukar as a point of fear for the Emperor. Like, don’t get me wrong, it’s a point of concern. But even if the Sardaukar became second best… they’d still be amongst the greatest soldiers in the galaxies who also had far greater strategic power. More ships, more money, more TROOPS, better weapons… Unless this was something on the scale of “the Emperor dominated the galaxies with an army of Clone Wars Clone Troopers… only for Atriedes to suddenly pump out millions of Spartan IIs” this shouldn’t be such a big deal.

[@karmaisntreal]

Emperor is not wise

[@josephyoung6749]

I hope they depict the emperor in an extremely decadent light in the new Dune movie part 2. That would underline the nature of their feudalistic society: where even Dukedoms are depicted as having great modesty and starkness (that was my impression of the movie: all the settings of even the richer characters were very monochrome and modest), while only the guy at the top enjoys true decadence. I'm curious how they will design the emperor's flying palace, especially considering how recent Villeneuve sets have been really monochrome and monolithic and pretty much depressing (like LA in Blade Runner). I love how the emperor and guild navigators were not depicted in this first movie. It definitely gives the impression of this feudalistic world view that is very hierarchical where we as viewers are not afforded the privilege of seeing these power players.

[@BenthiccBiomancer]

The idea of ostentatiousness and authority is actually very interesting to look at from a sociological perspective. Rather than existing to stroke the ruler's oversized ego (which, don't get me wrong, I'm sure it still does in abundance), ostentatious displays of wealth and power are actually a very important way of establishing legitimacy in the minds of the ruled. Seeing one guy blinged out beyond belief serves as a constant reminder of who's actually at the top of the pecking order. It seems that Villeneuve has a grasp of this sort of performative rulership (as shown by Paul asking his mother, early in the movie, why they need to make a show out of agreeing to take charge of Dune) so we should hopefully see him go all out on making the Emperor scenes as absurdly ostentatious as possible.

[@josephyoung6749]

@@BenthiccBiomancer True... my impression of the emperor's staff and space-ship in the beginning of the movie was that they kind of had a Byzantine look to them. I thought the writing in particular on the document that is given to Paul's father to sign/seal looked like Cyrillic alphabet. I wouldn't be surprised to see that the emperor's space ship would look like a flying Hagia Sophia or something, but with a sci-fi twist. You would have the impression that humanity in the far future is advanced, yet still culturally very rudimentary like this feudalistic society. Ostentatious, but lacking the cultural or humanistically enlightened feel that more naturalistic or anatomically correct art conveys. The sets might have those byzantine-styled mosaics with gold tiles but not very photorealistic depictions. There's something really powerful and intimidating about that kind of art.

[@eddieroy2418]

Great take on it.

[@sagarjadhav6568]

They showed Guiid Navigators in this movie, you can see 2-3 guys wearing White robes and holding a staff with an Astronaut like helmet hiding there face those are Guild Navigators , in the scene where the people from the empire first come to deliver Emperors orders to Atredis.

[@helentee9863]

@@sagarjadhav6568 no,don't think they are Navigators,but junior staff/attendants. Navigators have been so altered by spice that they no longer appear human, spice has warped their very genetic code. In one of the Dune trailers you see Guild attendants with a large pearlescent container, this must contain the Navigator, totally surround by spice.

[@brianrunyon266]

An interesting character. He's sure to appear in the second film of this series.

[@barbiquearea]

@Stella Hoenheim It still generated enough interest to warrant a sequel though.

[@asura7915]

@Stella Hoenheim nahh it did ok

[@nuance9000]

@Stella Hoenheim Bruh! The movie over-performed. Don't know wtf you on?!

[@toasteddanish4883]

@@nuance9000 Pre-Covid, these numbers would be considered sub-par, since movies need to make about double their production budget to cover the marketing, but since they made the choice to split the release, I think they'll also factor in the streaming count on HBO max, which is probably pretty high.

[@TheJohnnyCalifornia]

Maybe you’ve covered this, but the Baron himself rarely if ever visits Arrakis. He stays and rules on Geidi Prime while his nephew governs Dune. Why was the Duke expected to move his entire holdings to Arrakis? Wouldn’t he still own Caladan? Also, how did the Atreides make their fortunes before Dune? What did they contribute to CHOAM? Obviously he was wealthy enough to build a military capable of challenging House Corrino. There is no way he’d give that income up while transitioning to control of Arrakis especially since he’d need those resources to overcome Harkonnen sabotage. If you’ve made a video on this question I’d watch it.

[@porkmilk8984]

I don't recall if it is in Frank's work or the encyclopedia or Brian's fan fiction, but rice and whale fur were major exports from caladan.

[@barbiquearea]

The Atreides weren't even among the top five richest houses in the Imperium. When it came to wealth the Harkonnens certainly had them beat as they received contracts from Choam company to mine spice on Arrakis. But unlike the reviled members of House Harkonnen, the Duke Leto was a charismatic and magnetic leader who was able to attract a lot of talented men to his banner. Ginaz Swordmaster Duncan Idaho and Weapons Master Gurney Halleck were the ones who trained his army to become a top tier fighting force that could match the combat abilities of the Sardaukar. Normally it would have bankrupted even the wealthiest of great houses to employ the services of just one of them, but both men were so drawn by Duke Leto's charisma and personality that they offered their services to him free of charge.

[@brwnipoints]

When the Emperor "gifted" the fiefdom of Arakkis to Duke Leto, House Atreides was ordered to relinquish the fief of Caladan. Caladan was then given to Count Fenring under siridar-absentia, a temporary governorship. The Harkonnens ruled over Arakkis as a quasi-fifedom while their homeworld, Giedi Prime, was their full fiefdom. Thus the Harkonnens could rule over both. Duke Leto knew this whole ordeal was a trap. He also knew that rejecting the Padishah Emperor's gift would be treason. His only hope was to make the move quickly, prepare defenses, and ally with the Fremen before the Harkonnens attacked. I don't think Leto could imagine the Harkonnens attacking him so soon, nor that the Emperor would be so bold as to send his Sardaukar elite forces. The betrayal by Dr. Yueh simply sealed his fate.

[@kanlinsenova]

@@brwnipoints in the novel the Duke and his Mentat Thufir are aware that the Sardaukar were going to be used against them - the trap was successful because A), it happened too quickly, much sooner than they had anticipated B), The actual force that was sent was much larger than they had anticipated, they didn't expect the Baron to completely bankrupt himself and C), Dr Yuwi's betrayal allowed to Baron to suprise the Duke at Arrakeen in secret, literally was able to capture the whole Atreides family. Not necessarily because they didn't expect the Sardaukar

[@AladdinSE]

Caladan exported the finest wines in the Imperium. But still, House Atreides though a House Major, was not considered very wealthy. Whale fur was a source of wealth for the Harkonnens, not the Atreides. In fact they are described as having originally made their fortune by manipulating the whale fur market.

[@DrJellyFanguzzz]

I remember when you were ideas of ice and fire, and I had to "re-find" your channel because I forgot to subscribe 😂. It's awesome to see your growth, and how awesome it is to see how well you present the content. I'm so happy for you man

[@johnlansing2902]

Thank you for helping make science fiction more accessible

[@physetermacrocephalus2209]

I wish you could just straight up get a cut of the money Im going to spend on the movie ticket and book purchases because your wonderful content and specifically narration has sold me on the franchise. Your passion and knowledge really shows in the quality of your work.

[@mimkyodar]

I never knew they were originally from Salusa Secundus. I thought whenever someone said that, they were confusing it with the Sardukar world. Always learning from you,Quinn

[@happyhammer1]

So before my friend and I went and saw the new movie I recomended he watch a bunch of your videos to prep him as he had never read the book.

[@KingOfMadCows]

Perhaps the Emperor gave the Harkonnen too much help. It would have been more advantageous to the Emperor if the Harkonnen and Atreides wiped each other out or at least have the Harkonnen barely win instead of coming out with a clear victory.

[@alexandernewman7587]

If the Atreides survived, it would have been the biggest single scandal in the entire empire and likely result in the Laandstrad rebelling, as they are very fond of atreides. Even though the Harkonnens won, the invasion was ludicrously expensive and severely cut down on their savings. So it worked out as well as it could have, except for the wildcard of Paul.

[@TheRichardson711]

But it would have only gone bad for the harkonnen. If the emperor kept this troops out of it, he could have pointed the finger straight at the baron. The baron had motive to do it without the emperor.

[@alexandernewman7587]

@@TheRichardson711 The Harkonnens only left Arrakis because they were promised to kill the atreides. If the emperor forced them to leave, they'd be just as likely to rebel and hold the universe hostage like Paul did.

[@KingOfMadCows]

@@alexandernewman7587 The Emperor could have still ensured the Atreides were destroyed. He could have told his Sardukar to hold back and only help if the Harkonnen were losing. That way, the Harkonnen would suffer maximum casualties. Also, the Harkonnens couldn't hold the universe hostage because they didn't know the secret of Spice creation. The Fremen might be able to hold the universe hostage, but not the Harkonnen.

[@maypenja2819]

@@KingOfMadCows Also, the Harkonnens would have been subjected to an embargo by the Spacing Guild. They would not have been able to move people or goods between solar systems.

[@michaelli3492]

Feyd, emporer, and Irulan. Most exciting characters too see next movie.

[@SparkBerry]

Mads Mikkelsen as the Emperor for the next movie.. It needs to happen

[@ultron374]

Or Ralph Fiennes

[@MrKevinJE]

You can't underestimated the fact that the Emperor only has daughters and Duke Leto had a son and heir in Paul. The BG plan to only give Duke Leto daughters and then marry one of them to a Harkkonen male has the additional possibility of creating an Harkkonen Emperor.

[@SLow-fb3qm]

Jessica is the daughter of the Baron. Feyd-Rautha may have been the assumptive mate to an Atreides daughter. But Paul interrupted that generational plan.

[@christianealshut1123]

But the irony is that with Duke Leto and Lady Jessica, the BG, in a way, already had what they wanted, a connection between the houses Atreides and Harkonnen that might have sealed the breach and brought peace to the Known Universe. And no-one can tell me that there was no-one in the BG order who knew of this fact. At least two MUST have known - the officiating Kwisatz Mother (the BG in charge of the breeding program who, correct me if I am wrong, was the wife of the Emperor at that time) and Gaius Helen Mohiam (for obvious reasons). Both these women were likely also involved in keeping the true maternity of Jessica secret by entering a false name for the birth mother into the archives. The fact that the union between Jessica and Leto was never perceived in this line suggests that "sealing the breach between the two Houses" was never the main objective of marrying an Atreides daughter to a Harkonnen son.

[@najeelee7363]

That was excellently done. Beautiful crisp and to the point. The artwork, voice over everything was lovely. Great work my man. 🙏🏿 and it was on point with tying all the important ideas together.

[@RebelInTheF.D.G]

I'd expect part 2 to start with a scene involving the Emperor. I can already imagine the sweeping shots and all the glamor, the rising music, etc.

[@guiledazen44]

Nah man. Mads Mikkelsen would crush this role. He's the only guy for me.

[@Unworshipediety]

I second that.

[@cyberdinedog2097]

Charles Dance would nail it.

[@MetalGearChris1]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johaarup]

Hmm his brother Lars Mikkelsen would also be great.

[@stukesowle4911]

+1 for Mads

[@Nzombii]

its Charles Dance, nobody else

[@captaincrayon4852]

Quinn's Dune stock really starting to pay off. 1m subs by end of 2022 my dude you deserve it

[@ConstanceMists]

Im a beginner to the series (sorta, started the book when i was in high school and never finished it but after seeing the film im back into the franchise) and your channel is such an amazing resource!

[@_VICK_]

Sometimes I just listen to these, after having watched them multiple times already, for the music alone. Am I the only one?

[@hadster016]

The sound track of the first dune movie was the best

[@_VICK_]

@@hadster016 Ohhh I’ll have to check out. Thanks!

[@bamtoday]

Would love to see your take on the Culture series.

[@elixile22]

💯% yes. I had the pleasure of meeting the late, great Iain M Banks in '95 and the Culture series (alongside Dune series of course!) have always been my faves. And Quinn is so eloquent and so wonderful to watch. I'd love that.

[@saml1001]

Quinn you are killing it with these videos. I imagine you're capturing a lot of fresh eyes from the theater especially with the Politics video which I last saw had 100k+ views in only a few days. I've read Dune so many times, but I still love these videos and your explanations. Keep up the good work

[@JohnA...]

I've binge watched a few of your videos now since the Dune movie just came out, its been a long time since I've read the books (now have to do the last couple from Brian H. and K.J. Anderson). Just wanted to say you are doing a good job with these, you seem to have a good head for contemplating concepts and fleshing out ideas beyond their face value. Keep it up.

[@hurguler]

In the Dune the Emperor "Padishah Shaddam" origins: Ottoman Sultans ie Emperors were called Padişah (Padi-Shah) which comes from Persian. Shaddam sounds like the Arabic name Saddam which means "the one who confronts" (someone who's not afraid to confront). Now here's the weird thing. Dune was published in 1965 long before Saddam came into power. Dune spice planet name is Arrakis which sounds like Iraq. Arrakis also sounds like the Arabic word araḳī which means distilled spirit as in Raki. In the movie the Baron Vladimir Harkonnen bathes in something that looks like black oil.

[@Medicine91]

Herbert was prescient, obviously

[@paularmstrong2020]

The Reason: House Atreides military became very nearly as effective as the Sardukar. House Corrino could not have that. The Fremen were already better than the Sardukar, but nobody knew it. The Emperor did not devise the plan merely due to vanity or jealousy.

[@motivationandtravelchannel4575]

Charles Dance would be an EXCELLENT choice to play the Emperor

[@SemiMovies11]

thank you for all the thorough looks into the duniverse. shows truly how complex and involved Frank’s works really are. and how much some of it’s successors (ex. Star Wars) fell short of the true heart of the Dune series

[@globesurfer122]

Quinn how old do you imagine the emperor? You mentioned Idris Elba in a previous vid who is relatively young, or do you picture him older like Tywin L in the fan art?

[@patreekotime4578]

The spice melange extends life.

[@bangslamwham88]

Unlike previous adaptations, which cast older actors, I hope Villeneuve stays true to the book and casts an actor in his late thirties to early forties. The Emperor is in his early seventies yet looks no older than 35.

[@globesurfer122]

@@bangslamwham88 oh interesting! I didn't know that, I'm stoked to see what they do.

[@starlightt4094]

I think he would look middle age yet it is implied he is much older from spice. In that case I think either charles dance or idris elba would be good because dance doesnt look too old, but I think elba would give a more passionate performance.

[@iliangathot9254]

One of the things I liked least about David Lynch's Dune is that he sows Shaddam IV at the very beginning of the movie. When I read the book for the first time the concept of the Emperor looming over the story and Arrakis was pretty intense. I really hope Denis Villeneuve uses this in his Part 2 of his beautiful adaptation.

[@Greybeard805]

I can't believe I'm just finding your channel now! Your content is great and such high quality. Thanks for all you do.

[@cubxiomara]

I’m glad you split this up into different videos!! Love it

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

I'm surprised you, of all Tubers, painted this character to be so one-dimensional. The scene where Irulan explains that the Emperor secretly wished Leto was his son (and heir) yet still participates in his assassination adds more layers to this character than you give credit for.

[@TheSimianDeity]

I always assumed that the Bene Gesserit were guiding the emperor to craft their desired future. The Truthsayer is a sleeper agent - she controls what the emperor believes and what he does.

[@patriarch7237]

@@TheSimianDeity I assume the BG wanted the Kwisatz Haderach to be Emperor, and in their plan that would be Leto's grandson, not himself.

[@christianealshut1123]

@@patriarch7237 Then with the story as it plays out, they achieved exactly what they wanted - Leto's grandson did become Emperor. Only it did not have the effect that the BG desired, as it eroded rather than cemented their power base.

[@louiscypher4186]

@@christianealshut1123 That's because Paul was never meant to be the Kwisatz Haderach. They had planned for House Atreides and House Harkonnen's feud to end via an arranged marriage. The offspring of this marriage would be the Kwisatz Haderach and he would marry one of the emperors daughters and rule once Corrino IV died. The 3 most powerful houses in the landsraad being under the control of the Kwisatz Haderach and guided by the Bene Gesserit's themselves would then bring lasting peace to the galaxy. Jessica screwed up their 10,000 year plan by having a son.

[@marlonabelsilvarios2566]

It will be Cristopher Walken, just announced.

[@jzblue345]

Sweet another Quinns Ideas Dune video. I seriously love these videos about Dune.

[@almondjoy123]

I love your videos. They're so well made, informative, and thorough! You do such a good job!

[@frankx1219]

I think that Gary Oldman could be a great choice for the role! John Malkovich may be another interesting choice too

[@jmchez]

I hear you but rumor has it that it will be, wait for it... Christopher Walken. No offense against Walken the Great but, Jose Ferrer in 1984 had a regal presence and voice. I don't get that from Walken.

[@NoneOfTheAbove123]

The Emperor is a jealous, dangerous man.

[@williamschulz3014]

Love your videos Quinn. They have really helped me fill out my understanding of the series.

[@lordbetty4806]

Your videos made me appreciate Dune so much more, even though i really enjoyed the movie!

[@robadamson1]

In the book, it is the Baron who actually comes up with the plan knowing of the Emperor's jealousy and concern, correct? It also seems the Baron has some understanding, tho incomplete, of the Bene Gesserit Missionaria Protectiva on Arrakis, as he seems to be planning on using parts of it to make Feyd a savior for the people. Piter de Vries has a lot to do with the plans of the Harkonnens as well.

[@barbiquearea]

The emperor was jealous and concerned of Duke Leto's growing influence in the Landsdraad, but what really made him worry was the fact that Leto built up a very powerful army that could rival his Sardaukar. This was a concern not just for the emperor but the Sardaukar themselves who felt that it wouldn't be long before the Atreides Army would eclipse them in strength and might. Considering how many allies the Atreides had among the Landsdraad and the fact that they had an army that could go toe to toe with the seemingly invincible Sardaukar, if Duke Leto ever rebelled he could potentially seize the imperial throne from Shaddam IV.

[@someguy3186]

I think it was mostly Piter. The Baron seems like a clever strategist at the beginning of the book, but after Piter dies he makes one foolish mistake after another. As he says himself, he’s extremely dependent on mentats.

[@MrAlexkyra]

@@someguy3186 yes, it’s mostly Piter who devised the plan, but it was fear and jealous of the Atreides on the part of the Corrino and Harokonnens that drew the two together. That being said the Baron knows the Emperor will gladly turn on him and wipe out the Harkonnens if he could find a good justification for the Landsraad. The Baron also schemes against the Emperor and dreams of putting his nephew Feud-Rautha on the throne. Plans within plans within plans.

[@Nurdaholic]

Quinn, love the videos and your appreciation of the Dune Universe. One small point about the emperor’s motives. I suspect he like many men in power without a male heir recognize their situation is similar to being a tiger stuck in a corner. The animal will lash out. Herbert made sure to write about Duke Leto remaining unmarried for political gain.

[@toastanator]

Keep up the good work, these bite sized videos are fantastic!

[@codycoco3058]

Hey Quinn! I hope your channel gets a lot of traffic after the movie. You have been the best source of Dune material and knowledge on KZbin for years. You deserve it after all this grinding man. Keep doing you man

[@SourBogBubble]

Grace mentioned she got word Dunes second half will be announced this Wednesday or week.😎🤙🦅

[@jean-luclorusso]

Also did the Atredies lose Caladan when they were given Arakis? Or attacked later on?

[@Justin-M]

I was curious about this too. If a House can only have a fief over one planet, or if they retain their homeworlds while stewarding Arrakis

[@andrethib]

when Paul is talking to Gaius Helen Mohiam, she says that Leto is "losing it (Caladan);" Paul responds that Leto is getting a richer one (Arrakis), and GHM says that, "He'll lose that one too." it's been a few minutes since I read the books, but iirc it was made pretty clear that the Atreides were being made to give up Caladan.

[@Justin-M]

@@andrethib Brutal, but that actually makes sense that part of the Jihad would be to reclaim Caladan

[@genmaicha.lapsang]

Spoliers from the book MAJOR SPOILERS > > > > > > > > When Paul starts is bloody massacre of the old Empire he give Gurney the fiefdom of Caladan.

[@barbiquearea]

I always thought that the reason the Atreides gave up Caladan was because when they moved to Arrakis, Leto had to bring all his troops because although he had a stronger fighting force compared to the Harkonnens, he also had fewer men and could not assert his authority over both Arrakis and Caladan at the same time.

[@jeandakaud4286]

The only content abt Dune that i care to watch

[@jbos5107]

I just watched the new movie and I plan to watch the older one. I really need to read the books but I'll have to get an audiobook. Old eyes. I do appreciate your vast knowledge and the time you take to explain the story. It really helps this 62 year old newbie. I don't know how I missed these books when I could see better. Life I guess. Thank you young man!

[@andrzejkopalnia]

Christopher Walken confirmed as the emperor!

[@kingssman2]

David Lynch Dune made the Emperor seem like a small man facing against the guild. Dune2021 makes the emperor really feel like an emperor. Unseen but presence known. Watching the amazing performance from the Baron Harkonnen, I have high hopes that part 2 we will see a very strong, prideful emperor, one that is strong enough to make the Baron fall silent.

[@barbiquearea]

To be fair Shaddam IV wasn't this badass or imposing political actor but a man of middling ability who was out of his depth and at the mercy of the Bene Gesserit and the Spacing Guild.

[@shadearca]

The Bene Gesserit and the Spacing Guild were the actual true powers of the Dune universe before Paul took over.

[@julian5742]

Thanks Quinn for explaining the universe of dune for those who aren't familiar with the books. Even if I don't read the source material itself I always like to look up more in depth on KZbin to answer my questions.

[@ryeguy7471]

Some of that artwork makes it clear actor Charles Dance would be a great choice as Emperor Shaddam IV.

[@CoolHandLuke7]

So how does the Landsraad react to The Harkonnen assault on Arrakis? Surely they would put 2 and 2 together.

[@user-yt9ek2xh6i]

Because Liet was disposed of the only tales of what happened there are the ones the Harkonnens tell

[@1183newman]

Kyle Maclachlen should play the emperor.

[@travis1240]

OMG yes

[@artrocious]

Charles Dance as Emperor in Dune Part II would be amazing!

[@BarsonC]

Thank you for making these videos. Little to no fat in these videos! Keep it up they are awesome. 💪

[@vanders4198]

The depiction of the Emperor in Dune Part II is very disappointing imo. I wanted a cool looking figure, not an old man in pyjamas. The whole appearance of the Imperial forces, including the Sardaukar, is supremely disappointing to me.

[@Lukas_]

Exactly I have the same opinion. Everything in the film works very well but the Emperor's appearance was really disappointing and poor. Especially the first look.

[@LyrixNChill]

I had similar feelings about the Emperor in Dune 2 and was wondering if it was intentional that he was far more underwhelming than his larger than life title and reputation conveyed (“old man in pajamas” is correct). It reminded of when they discovered who the Wizard really was in the Wizard of Oz. It also seemed to allude to the current political landscape in the world where the “Superpower” nations all seem to be run by old aging men past their prime, hollow shells of their former selves clinging to power by any means necessary and wreaking political havoc along the way (i.e. wars, rumors of wars) as they stave off their degenerative illnesses. So I don’t know if it was intentional or not to depict the Emperor and his forces as so lame (completely dusted by Paul and the Freman), but it did remind me of real-world rulers and their politricks.

[@ShahanshahShahin]

Old man in payjama? Sounds like a Sasanian Persian "Shahanshah" 🤔

[@freetheworld2671]

But he's an old man.

[@OmarAlJaber92]

The emperor is Palpatine 😂

[@WilkenWilkins]

rather Palpatine is the emperor... I love SW tho sorry!!!!!!!!

[@IYPITWL]

What a resurgence for your channel!

[@EerieV23]

Love these quick videos. Great idea

[@pendragonshall]

QUESTIONS I'VE had for years. WHY was it safe to attack House Atreides on Arrakis but not Caledan since the problem was the Landsraad would rise up? Why didn't they rise up? Was it because everyone would think it was only the Harkonnen that did it and.. That would be ok? In other words, somehow NO-ONE would know the Emperor's troops helped the Harkonnen. And that it would be ok to the Landsraad that House Harkonnen annihilated them? And then it would be ok for the Emperor to ok that AND then give House Harkonnen back Arrakis? What of the rest of the Caladan civilization? Thanks to anyone if you can answer that. I always felt that it didn't make any sense.

[@solodolotrevino]

I love that the emperor’s appearance (in the concept art) isn’t sinister and gross like the Baron or most movie antagonists. It’s more of an embodiment of excessive wealth and power like most emperors throughout history.

[@christianealshut1123]

Exactly what David Lynch also did in his version as far as I csn remember.

[@Syntheticxox]

Love your series on dune and dune lore. I grew up with this series and because of the new movie my fiancé is watching your stuff to figure out what is going on. Keep it up!

[@NIWSHORTS]

Quinn your video's are fantastic. I have seen the movie twice now and it is a Masterpiece. Its the adaption I have hoped for and cannot wait to see Part 2.

[@GaldirEonai]

I wouldn't exactly call the emperor's plot motivated by jealousy or short-term thinking. His power depended on no single house ever becoming strong enough to challenge House Corrino by itself as well as all the Great Houses remaining roughly on the same level of power so they'd keep each other in check. The rise of the Atreides was a very real threat and needed to be dealt with, and the Harkonnen plan offered a decent chance of it. Of course, that plan would have left the Harkonnen as the next obvious target...

[@barbiquearea]

Not to mention the Bene Gesserit made him suspicious of the Atreides to sow discord between the imperial house and the Atreides as a possible punishment for Jessica's defiance. But a more pressing matter besides Leto's popularity among the Landsraad was the fact that he was building an army, one that was trained by esteemed swordmasters Duncan Idaho and Gurney Halleck, and used a fighting method unknown to the other great houses, which could eventually allow them to eclipse or even defeat the emperor's own Sardaukar in battle. This was a major concern not just for the emperor but also his officers who believed that left unchecked, the Atreides Army could present a major threat to them as much as the Duke himself was to the emperor on the political stage.

[@patreekotime4578]

I loved that they kept the emporer out of Part One. They set up several surprises for future viewers and I almost wish they had also saved the reveal of Baron Harkonnen into futher into the film.

[@davidkieltyka9]

These 5 minute summaries are great. Carry on, sir!

[@chrisperell4590]

Quinn… you r one of the most coolest dune-dudes I’ve ever known of! I’ve learnt alot!

[@loganemmert1392]

Are the other great houses ever really mentioned? I'm on book 3 and you only ever really hear about Atreides, Harkonnen, and Carino.

[@genmaicha.lapsang]

Major Major Spoiler ahead.... > > > > < < < By the 4th book the Lanssarad has collapsed there is only a small handful that retain House Minor status and by the 5th book what remains of them are irrelevant and kind of trying to make a comeback but even that is nothing compared to what comes into the Empire.

[@culturecanvas777]

Didn't Count Fenring appear in book one?

[@BenthiccBiomancer]

I don't know about y'all, but I reckon you could put good money on Domhnall Gleeson getting cast as the Emperor in Part 2. It depends on if Villeneuve wants to go with an older Emperor (like in the Lynch version) but Gleeson suits the book's physical description to a tee and he could pull off that mixture of ostentatious yet insecure authority you' d need in the part.

[@culturecanvas777]

Won't he be too young though?

[@christianealshut1123]

@@culturecanvas777 Yeah, he would look like Florence Pugh's brother, not her father.

[@Duncaniowa17]

The best primer on Dune is the original novel. I first read Dune in 1969. Quinn your explanation of the politics and economy of the empire is excellent. There are issues I never really looked at in quite the same way. This film is the one I’ve been waiting for since that first read back in high school.

[@cooper2973]

Never read the books but I saw the movie and then started looking into it more. The entire lore seems pretty complex but your videos do a great job and honestly make me like/understand the movie more.

[@alancramer1980]

the emperor is a non-entity who doesn't make it into the film.

[@jeckles]

Well done

[@Mookie-Jones]

Hey Quinn, the KZbin channel "secrets of dune" is under attack by Warner Brothers. Do you think you could use your audience to bring some attention to this? His channel is to small to do anything by himself.

[@Leitis_Fella]

Same, I feel bad for SoD; he needs some support

[@alexanderwaite9403]

Excellent as always. You passion is contagious!!!

[@MaliciousChickenAgenda]

Man I can't wait to go see Dune in a few days. I've just seen the Sardaukar chant scene. Just mind-blowing and so dark and menacing

[@kinhamid9665]

Can you imagine they got Jodorowsky himself to play the emperor? He would be simply perfect.

[@Howardar7]

I wish the movie covered this content instead of spending so much time blowing things up.

[@HighlandPhoenix]

Agreed, too many new fans got CGI sand in their eyes…

[@thepunchableface1506]

There was about 10 minutes of 'blowing things up'.

[@mikeraycroft9568]

I watch you Ice and Fire content always enjoyed it. My wife and I watched new Dune movie never read books so we were kinda lost in the deeper story of movie but I found these vids have been showing my wife them for a better understanding. Thank you for your hard work and effort. We greatly enjoy your content

[@TheToma305]

I'm so frickin happy for you dude, for us really, but Especially for you. This (DVDune) is, no dis, what you were Made to Share as well as the rest of Herbert's Incomplete Masterpiece (Martin gives me anxiety God's Bless 'im) and Sci Fi in general. Thanks from longtime fan. I still will love to cook for you and LMLDL. If you guys come through Massachusetts, you have Full Guest Rights. Many Thanks.