Who is Princess Irulan Corrino? | Dune Lore

[@annstillwell730]

Irulan is one of those tragic charactors who never reach their potential because of circumstances beyond their control. Herbert even underlines that several times.

[@gustavramirez2891]

Good point. But I could also argue that Irulan redeeming herself by loving the twin, and also becoming a prolific writer of those many great books is her achieving the (moral and intellectual) potential she might have been holding back before.

[@Shan_Dalamani]

Irulan is one of the characters who underwent quite a change between FH's first draft and how he finally wrote her. In an early draft of Dune Messiah he intended to kill her off. Thankfully he changed his mind about that. I never really liked Irulan until seeing Julie Cox playing her in the miniseries. This actress did a wonderful job of showing Irulan's humanity and reluctance to go beyond what her own conscience would allow when ordered to prevent Chani from producing an imperial heir (ie. her shock at possibly being ordered to force Chani to miscarry). I don't know why the presenter says Irulan was given Margot Fenring's part in the miniseries. Yes, she went to Giedi Prime, and yes, she played up to Feyd-Rautha and made him believe that she admired the Harkonnens for their ruthlessness. But whereas Margot Fenring had been ordered to seduce Feyd and conceive a daughter, Irulan was under no such orders. Her goal was information and some kind of proof as to the Harkonnen involvement - not to mention proof of her own father's involvement - in what was done to House Atreides. The actual seduction was carried out by one of Irulan's women, and it's unclear if this was just one of Irulan's servants or someone connected with the Bene Gesserit. I'm inclined to think it's the former. If the movies get as far as Children of Dune, please let Villeneuve not make the same ghastly mistake that was made with the miniseries. Susan Sarandon is a terrific actress. But casting her as Wensicia? Sarandon is 27 years older than Cox. Yet Irulan is the eldest Corrino daughter. Sarandon's hammy acting and miscasting did the second half of Children of Dune no favors.

[@fedesur7261]

Yes She Is a very tragico sci fi character...

[@nyanko2077]

Madsen was so beautiful as Irulan. Her introduction in Lynch's movie is legendary.

[@thomasputko1080]

Ideal cast choice. No one ever fit the role so perfectly.

[@paerarru]

Instantly made the story grip you. Lynch is a master who knows what he's doing instinctively.

[@patrickhenry236]

My first time seeing her in a role was the Louis L'Amour western crossfire trail. My own view of it is that she is underrated as an actress. Her grasp and control of emotion and tone projection through body language is quite good.

[@capscarlett7859]

About the only role that Lynch got right.

[@alwalker3479]

@@capscarlett7859 Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck was pretty good

[@rhodigian]

Irulan became a mother of many, by her cultural heritage. She won her personal challenge, and every dune chapter is there to testify this. She just accepted circumstances, and chose a challenge good for her

[@brennansmith6474]

She was a slave

[@arisakathedappergoose4796]

I loved how Irulan was integrated in the Sci-Fi mini-series, and totally agree with the creator on why he expanded her role.

[@jacobnavarro3675]

Completely Undefeated. Irulan is my favorite character, I think. She said "nah thanks, byyyyye" to the Bene Geserit because they are cold megalomaniacs. She's one of the only sane people in the story who see how messed up a lot of the universe is.

[@brennansmith6474]

She a slave tho really

[@Reoh0z]

She was one of my favourite characters, for her intelligence and wit.

[@jeromewilson1048]

Are we talking about the same Irulan?

[@brennansmith6474]

She was a slave to everyone really

[@gretchenfitzgibbons5703]

Your series on Dune is such a treat

[@tatianacronk1436]

We just welcomed our first child, a daughter, after five years of infertility...we named her Irulan. My dad who introduced me to Herbert's novels was so excited and everyone else has fallen in love with the name. Irulan inspired me to never allow my hardships, or people trying to use me, to keep me down. I knew I would find happiness and peace in my life and I hope our daughter will take away the same lesson, as well as Irulan's desire to take in knowledge.

[@NerdCookies]

That's beautiful!

[@tatianacronk1436]

@@NerdCookies thank you!! I have always loved unique names with powerful backstories. I love my name because of it's history (i.e. Tatiana Romanov).

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

That is so awesome and beautiful, me and my fiance have been struggling with the same issues for 4 years now... so our first child's name has already been decided. But that is so awesome to do that.

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

Our first daughter will be named Lilith, after the biblical first (true) woman who wouldn't submit to Adam will, so she was cast to hell for her "insubordination" and our first son I want to name Marcus after Marcus Aurelius, but she wants to name him after Hadrian or Trajan (because they sound better lol)

[@merihimsolomon2331]

Your strength is commendable and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your words.

[@SaulSilvaPereira]

The most tragic unrequited love in science fiction

[@Bazzkorg]

It is an interesting idea how Princess Irulan makes no physical presence until the end of Dune, yet is our narrator almost throughout the story. I think that's such an interesting and strong way to make a character. Not there, yet still with a presence. I think it's also a tribute to how great Herbert's writing was with Dune. I've always drawn a blank for who I'd like to see in the new adaptation. Julie Cox was perfect in the mini series. Anya Taylor Joy is a great choice, she's a great actress. I first saw her in The Witch and thought she did a great job. Certainly whichever actress is chose would need to be subtle, able to show multiple layers to their persona as well as Irulan has multiple layers to her character and behavior.

[@thomasdaywalt7735]

What do you mean like she only comes in the hologram or she's only mentioned

[@Bazzkorg]

@@thomasdaywalt7735 The novels Princess Irulan's writings, or snippets of writings for the chapter beingings are all we get of her until the end of the novel when all the Great Houses and Emperor are talking with Paul

[@christianealshut1123]

Yes, it was a stroke of genius of Herbert's to put his critical attitude towards messiah figures and utopias into the voice of a woman - though Irulan also has a very personal reason to be critical towards Paul! In a way she is a tragical figure because she never felt she was made for the court and its intrigues, let alone become empress. All she wanted was to write, and we are also meant to see that she's mighty good at it. In a way, becoming trapped in the martriage of convenience with Paul allows her to pursue just that ambition because frankly she has little else and Paul will never really see her as a wife in the true sense of the word, but she cannot be happy about that because she has been trained for the court and also, in a way, trained to want that life even though it does noit suit her. And her nephew later is hardly better off...

[@josenavas5859]

Irulan narration is central to the understanding from her pointed view. When I first read the novel in the early 1970's her character gave deft and understanding how she too was trapped with no way out but to accept her place, which she did very well.

[@MelvinCruz]

Nerd Cookies with her calming excitement should be the voice of the princess and add for a fantastic introduction, narrative and prolog of the history of Dune🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@sorokahdeen]

I love your video on The Princess Irulan, but as a the first novel snob I have always been, I can only focus on one part of it: Herbert's brilliance in using Princess Irulan to open chapters. Most science fiction is very limited in terms of structure, voices, and devices, which is one reason that the opening to Neuromancer stands out and is so memorable: "The Sky above the port was the color of television tuned to a dead channel." Although Alfred Bester does something similar with the Blake Quote he puts at the head of his classic: "The Stars My Destination," Gibson's words are original and far more subtly powerful because, With those fifteen words, Gibson establishes a tone and a mood for the first section of his novel, and many, many years before Gibson, Herbert's use of The Princess Irulan's writing does something similar. More than that, it creates a structural "closed system" within the novel, creating a time-loop of connected Easter eggs; the final one of which the reader collects in the last pages of the novel when the Atreides women, Chani and Lady Jessica discuss that the Princess will have to satisfy herself with her books because following the consummation of her union with Paul Atreides, she will be nothing but a pretty ornament-a validation of Atreides's emperorship for the Landsraad (sp), someone who will never have love-while Lady Jessica and Chani, both of them nominally concubines, will have all the love, privileges, and respect that is due to wives. As devices go, the words of the Princess Irulan, which in the moment of the conversation between Chani and the Lady Jessica, reveal the truth of their words, lends an weighty air of inevitability to the events in the novel as it foreshadows the as-yet-unrevealed ending. All of this is one of the things that lifts Dune above the the clumsy-but-geeky stuff of science fiction; things that writers like Jules Verne, E.E. "Doc" Smith, and even Isaac Asimov, would set before generations of readers with only a limited exposure to writing outside of genre: The Princess Irulan and all her works giving the reader a glimpse at what real writers at the height of their powers can do. You have 24 K subscribers? I like your work. I really think you should have more.

[@KaironQD]

"timeloop of connected easter eggs" Wow, what a great way to put it! And you're right, Irulan as a device just makes the entire experience of reading Dune vastly richer. She's sort of a problem for a screen adaptation of the first book but her payoff as a character for the books, and the Dune Saga as a whole is much larger than the screen usually suggests!

[@aajiv1748]

Well so does Left Hand of Darkness or More Than Human or any of the stories of Cordwainer Smith (more authors than those) there is a lot of science fiction prose that has structure and voice....

[@klyanadkmorr]

The sad thing is Denis is(I heard) having Rev Mother Mohaim actress do the narrating at the beginning(thru film?) because as usual this 'modern more woke than their liberal parents' producers(BrianHerbert) knows more about feminism than old white guy Frank Herbert and think Rev Mother is more impressive powerful female voice than the voice thru the era by Irulan, she just a weak watcher eh?. They may switch to Irylan's voice quotes if they actually can get to making Children of Dune. I'm not laying all my hopes on this rendition. I'll take it as ANOTHER SHAKESPEARE THEATER PRODUCTION, they all are varied in quality.

[@sorokahdeen]

@@klyanadkmorr I can see the decision on Villeneuve's part. The actress whom you probably don't know is Charlotte Rampling, who, as a younger woman was one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, who made herself slightly infamous in the controversial art film, "The Night Porter" where she played alongside Dirk Bogarde. Given that a good part of Villeneuve's audience never has and never will read the novel, there is no reason not to bracket the events in the movie using The Reverend Mother Mohiam since she, like Irulan, is there through all the events of the movie, but, unlike Irulan, is present throughout-literally there from the beginning (Gom Jabbar test) to the end (encountering Alia). I think it could work.

[@sorokahdeen]

@@aajiv1748 Of course, they have structure and voice-they couldn't have been published otherwise. The only difference is in just how well-made those aspects of the writing are. This raises the question of how you judge that quality. I think that the measure of that is how well you remember the individual elements that make up those aspects of the novel. I've met people who can recite some version of the first page of Neuromancer from memory. Everyone who has ever read Dune and liked it remembers the Gob Jabbar Test. I can't think of anyone but Gibson and Herbert who make that kind of impression on their readers. I myself *love* Larry Niven's early work, but I don't remember a word of the opening of anything he's ever written and I've read *all of it* including the essays in "All the Myriad Ways." Sure, Science fiction authors open their novels with the older ones doing a more "literary" job of it than the older ones, but none of them that I remember reading produce anything like, say, the first page of Nabokov's "Lolita" or the first paragraph of Joyce's story, "The Sisters."

[@thomasboyles9773]

The challenge with Irulan's casting is more so capturing the cagey way Herbert portrayed her sense of loyalty. Twisted but sincere loyalty. I think I would prefer an unknown to take the role rather than someone who is established. Irulan is similar to Margaery Tyrell as portrayed in the GoT series to me, so much so that I would like to call Irulan an inspiration for her, but I can't base it on much more than feeling since I never read them. Dormer's performance is much like the way I would imagine Irulan would be portrayed in a faithful way. I just don't wish to see Dormer do it again.

[@richrelaxes1154]

@Robodog Agree! So many different, complicated concepts, and Herbert weaves them together like a future historian. Religious philosophy, eugenics, economics, addiction, I could literally do this all day!

[@stefanschleps8758]

@Robodog Absolutely! I couldn't agree more. I picked up the first book and I couldn't put it down. Before a week was over I read all of them. It's like the Spice, mind-blowing, and addictive. Peace.

[@DarkLadyAthena1]

@@stefanschleps8758 the same thing happened to me. They became one of my favorite sagas but it did take me time to finish them all (original and some of the extended universe included). Have you guys listened to the audible versions of these? They're very good - especially the first one. I highly recommend them.

[@Brainfryde]

I agree, but I do not see Denise finding someone with Dormer's present, but being able to make them appear both natural and blond. The rest of the cast is the 5'8 to 5'10 Hollywood clone brunettes who think wigs and bleach look "natural." And without that natural look, you lose a lot of Irulan's character. Better she radiate natural and look statuesque, if a bit plain, than another 20 something actress clone. Ultimately, that is how Dormer pulled off that role so amazingly well: she didn't have the perfect look, but you buy into her being every bit as charming as written because of it, which sold it better. We shall see though, as this character is likely exposition only until the 3rd movie. And these days, I am not even sold that we will see a 2nd one. Certainly not one with this oversized budged :o

[@chrisinnes2128]

@@stefanschleps8758 so you know who it is really the story of then?

[@TheSighphiguy]

for me....Virginia Madsen's voice-overs in the original film were wonderful and really set the tone for the movie. i cant imagine them NOT retaining it for the new version. even going as far as to actually use Virginia AGAIN, to perform the voice-over. whatever the naysayers think...the 1984 movie was spectacular and should be acknowledged somehow in the new adaptation.

[@rodturner6759]

Derp.... derp,derp,derp....DERRRRRP.

[@keysersoze3427]

The problem with the first movie for me, was that it made little sense until I read the books. The problem with Dune is that it is complex and has subtleties that can be hard to translate to the screen.

[@kentong2033]

Saw the new movie. Not bad but it was basically a 'cut n paste' updated sfx version of the renowned 1984 David Lynch masterpiece w/much poorer casting n acting. It's almost like the sfx n acting in contemporary films r inversely correlated n I'm not even claiming the 2021 sfx is 'better' bc the practical effects of the 1984 version r much more realistic, believable, n ultimately more impactful. As the movie drags on u begin to notice everything on screen appears very plain, 'sterile', n 'underwhelming' (boring). 😳 Watching this version I couldn't help but keep comparing every scene to Lynch's version n though not bad, it doesn't compare well to the grand encompassing scifi scope, fantasy, n masterpiece that David Lynch envisioned n created! I watched the 3-hr Spice Diver redux fan edit of David Lynch's 1984 version on Utube afterward n the casting n quality of acting, production design, n artistic vision is night n day! 🤩

[@jesswalton6094]

@@kentong2033 I mean, at least the new film has some diversity in their casting. David Lynch's was a little white washed, his introduction of the "weirding weapon" because he didn't want to see martial arts in space, I felt was a little bizarre. Personally, I felt Villeneuve's was epic in scale, and definitely was very much worth the hype. The lack of narration was quite good as even a person hadn't read Dune until after, I very much understood the whole film as he did a fantastic job of showing, not always telling. I then watched Lynch's adaptation, and the whole thing was so bizarre and the acting, especially that of Kyle McLachlan playing Paul, it was a 30-yr old looking man playing a15 year old, and his acting was stiff to me. I felt Timothee Chalamet's portrayal was very on point with the way the book described and created Paul Atreides. Heck, even Javier Bardem's portrayal as Stilgar was so immersive and captivating that I failed to recognize Bardem until I saw the credits. It could be just that Villeneuve's was the first Dune experience for me, and everything else came after, thus causing a bias. But, in my opinion, I feel the more recent adaptation is much more in-line on the grandness and epic scale that the Dune lore encompasses.

[@kentong2033]

@@jesswalton6094 yeah I see people's reaction to DL's 1984 n DV's 2021 versions span all over the place. It appears it really depends on each person's perspective n subjective view of cinema/entertainment. I grew up on DL's Dune on repeated viewing on TV. I was impressed at the magnificence of the epic fantasy n grand visuals n magical music score. I just discovered the 3-hr fan edit on Utube n it was like watching an entirely new movie bc it filled in soo much of what was cut from DL's original vision of his fantastic masterpiece. I'm glad u enjoyed it tho imo DV doesn't do sci-fi well just so plain sterile n underwhelming scene to scene w/awful to no character development. Others have commented how they couldn't care less abt the characters bc nothing was shown nor given that would make us care abt their fate or actions one way or another?

[@Th0ughtf0rce]

Irulan: "Mom, seriously... your name is An-irul and the best you came up with is Irul-an?"

[@Th0ughtf0rce]

​@A.K. Glumstubble Looks like dad named them

[@scottmantooth8785]

*Moon Unit was already taken*

[@christianealshut1123]

In royal families, the names children receive often have a symbolic/dynastic significance...Irulan was the eldest and the intended successor, so naturally her mother gave her a namne which strongly connected her to the previous generation. It was meant to signify continuity.

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

I think Anirul secretly hopes Irulan will become her opposite. If she is meekly accepted all instruction given to her, she wished her 1st daughter to broke free

[@AeonWere]

I do love your analysis and explanations of the lore. This are fantastic for the newbies to the series and I find your voice to be like the Bob Ross level of calming for the Dune-nerd in me.

[@hecatesdaughter2207]

I always preferred Virginia Madsen and the way they used her for introductions. JMOHO🌹

[@thecomedian6920]

I'm into asians but her face alone blows me away. Unrepeatable in it's beauty.

[@christopherengel7436]

Indeed. Lovely Virginia.

[@stoissdk]

Virginia Madsen had that special voice and screen presence that made her perfect for setting the scene. More than just a pretty face. Too bad we didn't see more of her in the 1984 movie.

[@fedesur7261]

​@@christopherengel7436lovely Irulan

[@JohnBatman111]

A beginning is a very delicate time.

[@mcsquisherton]

After watching Anya Taylor Joy in Queens Gambit, I'm definitely sold on her playing Irulan. Excellent actress and she has the look too.

[@MrHernandez1994]

I was hoping Saoirse Ronan could play Irulan

[@funkystyle7249]

Anya is fully booked untill 2023 or after according to her interview (she has Furiosa-Mad Max prequel)

[@paulsnell534]

Abbey Lee would make an excellent Irulan

[@tokyo_taxi7835]

@@Powerhaus88 Agree. She looks like an alien. Irulan is described as having a classically beautiful look.

[@mamatrain100]

Yessssssss

[@ZingaroXIV]

Irulan is one of the many intriguing characters in the Dune saga - the terrific, full-realized characters being the greatest strength of the stories. Irulan is interesting in that we really don't see much of her until late in Dune and then more in Dune Messiah. I believe that the "trigger" (to use a Herbert device) that broke her away from the Bene Gesserit, was her evolving sense of herself and her longing for an anchor in her life. She found the anchor in her marriage to Paul, and I think she gradually came to realize her true desire to support and be loyal to her husband and to bear his heirs. Of course, she was denied all this, leading to her conflicting loyalties until the end of Dune Messiah where she realizes that she truly loved Paul. This is sort of directly stated and only briefly mentioned, but it's a critical culmination of Irulan's character arc. Alia doesn't trust her, but she doesn't execute her with the other traitors either. Because Irulan is one of the main "narrators" of the story, we know she survives the marriage, the jihad, the treachery. What's interesting is to see how she does so.

[@danielwilliamson6180]

Princess Irulan Corrino was one of the most important key characters in the Dune saga. Princess. Empress of the known universe. Jealous wife and stepmother and historian. It's a shame in the 1984 film adaptation, she wasn't given much screen time. Julie Cox did a wonderful job playing Irulan in the Dune and Children of Dune mini-series. I don't know who would play Irulan in the 2021 film. At one point, I envisioned Rosamund Pike in the role. But, this requires someone younger. Emilia Clarke could be a good choice for the role. So could Anya-Taylor Joy. Saorise Ronan. Natalie Dormer. Tamsin Egerton or Wallis Day. Someone who looks good with Timothy Chalamet. I hope the new Irulan gets cast well.

[@McGlocky1984]

Yay can't wait for my hour commute back home from work to listen to the latest Nerd Cookies' video!

[@headrockbeats]

Madsen's intro was perfect IMHO. Ironically, it's easily the most memorable scene in the movie to me.

[@DarkLadyAthena1]

She is one of the fictional characters that inspired me to keep moving forward with my curiosity and research history and consume a whole lot of books. She and Alia will always be my all time favorite characters in this saga because they truly deserved more. I LOVE all the books in the Dune saga, including the Extended Universe books, BUT these two never received proper justice or in the very least appreciation - especially Irulan. Yeah, Paul is the messiah and what not but I admire a woman who has to put up with her family and her husband's social crusade ass-holery & and written word and research without the need of drugs and psychic powers contributed more to his legacy. On top of that, she never played the 'woe me, my destiny sucks but I have to do it' car. Neither did she turn herself into a victim (even though she was one in many aspects). She faced the consequences of her actions and took it upon herself to raise her husband's golden twins. Highly intelligent, beautiful, willful but also cunning and in the end, wise and everything a historian should be.

[@vokasimid5330]

Underrated

[@DarkLadyAthena1]

@@vokasimid5330 comment or character? If the latter, very much so. She's horribly underrated.

[@gingrinch]

Thanks for doing this! Irulan (anigram of her mother's name Anirul, btw) is a pivotal character in Children of Dune, taking over much of the role Chani would have played in Leto and Ghanima's early lives. Is Emily Browning too short? I'd love to see her in this role, or maybe fellow Aussie Abbie Cornish.

[@wiinterflowers95]

Emily Browning would work as Ghanima, especially with her doll like appearance.

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

Why do i have the feeling anirul wished irulan to be anything opposite from her. Anirul wishes she would rebel againts BG unlike her?

[@3vi14n931]

This channel is criminally undersubscribed!

[@SlimRhyno]

Grace Kelly is the image that I have in my head of Princess Irulan, and even though many lovely interpretations of her shall come and go, I hope that never changes. 🥰

[@danelamoreaux4166]

Can't get enough of your videos/ voice

[@YllibD]

Well done Elaine on 24k subs, your channel is growing, going from strength to strength, you must be delighted. Anyhoo oricle of knowledge, with the wonderful music and soothing voice on every lore video wish you growth, happy to be a member👍

[@NerdCookies]

Thank you for the support!

[@Jared_Wignall]

I’m really enjoying these Dune videos. Keep up the great work Elaine!

[@NerdCookies]

Thanks Jared!

[@sminkycorp]

Nerd Cookies is our Irulan !

[@tombaker8481]

Wow, you're whipped...probably without the "p"

[@sminkycorp]

@@tombaker8481 Dr Who ? Is that you ?

[@RogerBuffington]

Nerd Cookies Rocks. Great Dune pieces! Keep it up!

[@ericwilliams538]

Well, you have Florence Poe pictured, and the only reason I clicked on this video, because I saw her. She would honestly be my pick..

[@rossidelitza0194]

I would like to play this character so much!!! 😍 I hope there is a casting and Denis will consider adapting it in the film. 🤞🏻🤲🏻🙏🏻

[@iamsheep]

Considering that Denis Villeneuve directed Enemy, I imagined Sarah Gadon for the role of Irulan. She's got the look and acting ability. Anya Taylor Joy is awesome, but I think she would be more suited for Alia.

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

That is an inspired choice - if she’s considered exceptionally beautiful, you couldn’t ask for much better- Sarah is luminous, & she’s had a variety of roles- her, or Rachel Hurd-Wood, or Kesenia Solo...

[@iamsheep]

@@OcarinaSapphr- She is stunningly beautiful, maybe even to the detriment to her career. She's actually very versatile, portraying emotionally brittle as well as an ice queen (sort of how I saw Irulan at first). Although she's something like 10 years older than Timothee, their marriage is a political one with no love scenes so I don't think it matters.

[@MiddleAgedGuy73]

Been saving this video for a moment when I could relax and enjoy it. Worth the wait ♥️

[@NerdCookies]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@girlonfire2.076]

Irulan was my favorite character

[@KaironQD]

Irulan is such a small screen role for an adaptation of the first book (unless you do drastic rewrites ala the SyFy mini series), I figure it might be challenging to get an actress who can convey the character's prestige and importance in just the few scenes she's actually there. For example, I really like Virginia Madsen in the 1984 Dune, but she's on screen for SO little time she really is a "glorified" extra.

[@thejadedgeminigeek1293]

Very informative video and a good refresher on my favorite series

[@PersonalityMalfunction]

I don’t see a victim or subdued to the emperor. I see her as fanatically loyal Bene Gesserith operative, playing the role she has been tasked by the sisterhood. Bear in mind the BG had her slated as the mother of the Kwisatz Haderach either via Feyd Rautha or Paul as the father. Mother of the Messiah, I think she should be portrayed with an amount of serenity and quiet, ethereal confidence. Perhaps Drummer from the Expanse, with the rough edges smoothed out.

[@DaFinkingOrk]

Cara Gee, now that's a strange but interesting idea. She's a really great and unique actress but Drummer is so different from Irulan I don't know.

[@Shan_Dalamani]

LOLwut? Irulan was never supposed to be the mother of the Kwisatz Haderach. She was supposed to carry on the Corrino line, but Paul's only offer to the Bene Gesserit was artificial insemination, and he would never acknowledge any child resulting from that. The BG consider artificial insemination akin to anathema, so they refused.

[@olincekongo]

8:56 *Plot twist: that backfired!* She plays the sister of Paul.

[@SoshiMECH]

Someone suggested Saoirse Ronan and I can't get that idea out of my head considering the connection she has had with Timothée Chalamet over the years I've been wondering if she might get a small role in DUNE and I can't think of a better choice to do a glorified cameo! If they want to establish a connection between Paul and Princess Irulan in a very short period of time I think she is the best choice!

[@ironmanmarvel5568]

who is chani? in imdb zendaya will plays chani.isn't the same character princess irulan right?

[@Londongirl666]

@@ironmanmarvel5568 Chani was Paul's mistress and mother to his children. Irulan was his wife based on political reasons.

[@funkystyle7249]

Not to mentionit was reported that Denis had actually contacted her in 2017 Gotham Awards for something, possibly a role for some movie of his, don't know if this is for Dune or not. But Ronan and Chalamet did an unrequited love plot in Little Women together after that, maybe production team might want a new pair for Chalamet.

[@elenashsh8866]

Saoirse Ronan turns down not main character roles. For this reason she turned down Scarlet Witch role in Avengers and Tauriel in The Hobbit. So she probable won't even go for Princess Irulan.

[@SoshiMECH]

​@@elenashsh8866 That's an interesting theory but Saoirse Ronan has what looks like a smallish role in The French Dispatch which also feature Timothée Chalamet and it will be their third film together. I suspect her choice to appear in a DUNE Part 2 would have more to do with who is directing it and who is acting in it. With Denis Villeneuve as director and an amazing cast, as well as her existing connection with Timothée I could definitely see this happening. However I'm pretty sure the choice will in the end be Denis' and if he thinks Saoirse is the right choice for Irulan I'm almost 100% sure it will happen. I think the only reason why she wouldn't take the role is if she had already signed onto another movie.

[@sasseemarie2464]

Your videos on Dune inspired me to download the audiobook and revisit the novel, which I had previously read ad a child. Thanks.

[@NerdCookies]

I am so happy to hear that

[@ScaryBaldMan]

I think someone a little older than Paul would be a good choice. I always got the impression Irulan was older. Someone like Erin Doherty from "The Crown" would make a good choice. Has the look and the bearing.

[@sid2112]

7:00 that is a lovely painting for itself. I want that for my library.

[@shanenolan8252]

Thanks . Love irulan. The actress in the thumbnail is very good I was watching her in horror movie witch set in early colonial America. And in peaky blinders. Anya that's her name she is good and the right age

[@cmoreskylines]

This channel is rad. Glad I found it. 🙏

[@Khannea]

I strongly agree with your casting assessment.

[@jessicagudino8461]

I love irulan actress in both film and series madsen intro in the dune movie was ethereal its a shamw that didnt see her more she irradiates beauty and superior aura in the series cox was beautiful confident and witty

[@kenglasson2920]

Now sadly I think charlize theron my be a bit beyond it, but her acting skills, attention to detail and dedication woiuld have made her a brilliant pick...umm sadly a few years back.

[@Rye_Toast]

If we're going to nominate someone regardless of actual age, then I nominate Eva Green. Talk about eyes that see through you.

[@juanecheyt]

Anya Taylor joy is absolutely PERFECT for that role.... i agree.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Another fine video. I really love Dune.

[@jimmywrangles]

Congrats on 24k subs and many thanks for the upload. Edit: Samara Weaving for Irulan would be my first choice.

[@NerdCookies]

Thanks Jimmy ❤

[@khadijabelabadia3159]

SO HAPPY FLO AND TIMMY REUNION

[@matthewfisher7685]

I could see Elle Fanning playing Irulan! Her role (albeit more comedic) in The Great shows she can muster a regal presence and she's got the look.

[@fedesur7261]

YES.Elle Fanning Is also my mental image of Archduchess Annerose von Grunewald in a live action adaption of Legend of the Galactic Heroes

[@dennisud]

I really like all your character explorations so far! I hope we see this on your other series (BSG-Star Trek-SW?) Great job!

[@jollyyeholiver1578]

Good choice for the roll. I wish they had chosen John Goodman for the role of the Baron Harkonen.

[@laxmilove7502]

I would like to see Natalie Dormer playing princess Irulan. She was great as Anne Boleyn and female version of professor Moriarty - Jamie Moriarty.

[@einezcrespo2107]

Natalie at 39 is too old for the part. I'm thinking more of Ellie Bamber, Sophie Turner.

[@laxmilove7502]

@@einezcrespo2107 Sophie Turner would be great! I can imagine her combining the evil look in the eye with the angelic appearance - the true Emperor's doughtier 👑

[@moniquecortez1398]

I totally agree she was so good as Anne Boleyn. I love showtimes adaptation of the story of King Henry the eighth, even if he had red hair and not brown. I totally forgot the actors name he was totally attractive.

[@christianealshut1123]

@@laxmilove7502 But I think Sophie Turner would be much greater production value as Alia - I had to think of her as portraying Jean Grey in the X-Men movies, and she brought something to the part that also characterizes Alia - something inside her that controls her and uses her as its vessel - what Jean undergoes in the movies where Sophie plays could also be described as a form of "Abomination".

[@garyb2392]

1) the narrators voice is awesome!! If you’re not a voice actor (for audiobooks) it’s something that should be considered…listen to you anytime. 2) Anna Taylor Joy!! Yes ! The description you read is a character she’s played in other characters !

[@ocirontariocryptidinvestig8010]

she is already confirmed to play the guild navigator though

[@dostagirl9551]

It was after watching the Syfy miniseries of Dune and Julie Cox's performance as Irulan that I truly felt a deep sense of sympathy for her character. She was used by everyone, including Paul. Though no shrinking violet and with an agenda of her own, I did not think she deserved to spend her life as a bejeweled arm-piece and trapped in such a cold marriage. She grew to love Paul but could only watch as he showered his affection on his beloved Chani, even as he used Irulan to cement his authority. Really hated him a bit for that.

[@crinklescat1871]

Ugh I hate Paul and chanti. Irulan was by far my favorite character and the most interesting to me. Like Paul truly only wanted power. Irulan is the character. I feel the most sympathy for. Pretty much everyone else I can take relieve. If I were her and I had to deal with 12 years of Paul and his concubine, I would’ve hung myself, but she perseveres and ends up, saving his house at the expense of her own. She truly is a tragic character.

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

That is what puzzled me. Love? Irulan fall inlove with paul? Where that come from?

[@Blaxjax21]

I still remember going back to read all the passages at the beginning of each chapter, and how it changed some of my thoughts about the book. (I had skipped most of them on my first read. (way back in the 70's)

[@Metrosplash]

Princess Irulan produced some of the most acute observations of the rule of Paul Atreides. The one most often ignored, is that her Father, Shaddam the 4th was 175 but looked 35. I would love.that, yet the Emperor is always portrayed by a mature man.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

Once again, in Dune: Part Two, he was portrayed by a mature man, Christopher Walken.

[@stefanschleps8758]

A wonderful job of fleshings things out for us, as usual. I agree Anya Taylor-Joy is a great pick to play the role of Irulan. It was apity that this was not explored in more detail in the David Lynch film. And I can think of no better person to play her than Anya Taylor. I suspect there are plans to move forward in the next ten years for Denis to express himself more fully with the other half of Frank Herberts works, all the way through ChapterHouse. It may prove to be a continuation of subtle desensitizing of our collective awareness of where humanity is heading, deep space, and the reality that interstellar travel is possible. And life will once again imitate art. Herbert is sheer genius. All the best.

[@willythepeachfacelovebird]

Just hitting 2 am in Aus. Thank you thank you!

[@jimmywrangles]

Hello fellow Aussie.

[@willythepeachfacelovebird]

@@jimmywrangles G'day Jimmy!

[@1183newman]

Love your pick for irulan i think she is perfect. Recently i have been liking the idea of Pedro Pascal as Shaddam , Adam Driver as Count Fenring, Anya Taylor Joy as Irulan, Idris Elba as Othyem, Robert Pattinson as Feyd.

[@lab483]

I liked the way Frank Herbert used Irulan in an Anna Komnenos role to create her shadow character and agree Taylor-Joy would be an excellent choice. I was disappointed he made her into a bit of a fool when the Bene Tleilax, Bene Gesserit and Guild Cabal met to discuss what to do about Maud Dib. I hope her character is given more agency if Villeneuve adapts the later books.

[@KaironQD]

Oh snap, I went and googled who that was amd now I'm learning something. Dune fans are awesome!

[@lab483]

@@KaironQD TY. I wasn't sure if I should mention her as I'm a bit of a History nerd. Though I'm convinced Herbert based Irulan on Anna Komnenos.

[@gracefutrell1912]

lab483 Honestly I also get an Isabella of France vibe with her loyal to her husband but he treated her horribly until she finally snapped

[@VoodooV1]

I thought that was Anya in the thumbnail. Loved her in Queen's Gambit. Definitely preferred the expanded role of Irulan in John Harrison's version. Julie Cox in that pink dress....Feyd wasn't the only one seduced in that scene.

[@Carolineplayz186]

Great script as always!

[@marknovak6498]

Even if w do not see her, I like the idea of putting her in as a voice.

[@mrtan5641]

Spoilers I will admit. Irulan was not even mentioned or even played an important role in the 1st dune except in the end where Paul married her but Paul stated that it was a marriage of convenience and not a marriage of love, that honor went to Chani. The one thing i'm glad that Lynch did was gave her the role of telling the story of Dune to the audience. As time went on and when Chani died. Irulan felt guilty and decided to take it upon herself to raise both Leto and Ghanima. Even Alia Atriedes the abomination of House Atriedes stated that Irulan Reeked of trustworthyness proves that Irulan actually felt guilty. And as times go on Irulan became a historian like what Nerd Cookies said recording each and every act of House Atriedes until her passing

[@ultimoguerreiro82]

Great vid as usual, thanks.

[@aajiv1748]

Irulan appears at the head of every chapter of Dune , I liked Lynch's use of her as framing, I think it was not done enough in his film, .... even knowing how awkward voice over can be in film visual narrative.

[@charlesdavis7087]

Is the new Iruan the same lady that played in "Queen's Gambit"? She was absolutely great.

[@redtaperecorder1]

Not yet, but people have been simping pretty hard for her to play the role.

[@wiinterflowers95]

@@redtaperecorder1 Florence Pugh is playing her.

[@redtaperecorder1]

@@wiinterflowers95 Yeah, I know. I would have preferred Anya Taylor-Joy.

[@wiinterflowers95]

@@redtaperecorder1 She does have that alien but old time seductive look to her. I'll take her or Florence Pugh over Saornise Oscar Baited Bitch Ronan.

[@wiinterflowers95]

@@redtaperecorder1 This aged well..

[@joechang8696]

presumably, Irulan is the only first hand source of events of this time, and when she was not present, Paul told her

[@tracys169]

So they select Florence Pugh for Irulan. I think she's beautiful/classically so, but I was expecting someone slightly taller. lol. But she is a great actor, and her chemistry with Timothee was great in Little Women, so this would be very interesting to see her in Dune.

[@divineflu34567]

Chemistry plays no part here though there will not be any romantic scenes with them this is the saddest part really liked their onscreen chemistry hope we could see them together in full fledged romentic movie instead quater and half

[@wiinterflowers95]

@@divineflu34567 She kinda looks like Irulan in the David Lynch adaptation. Plus Florence's performance in Lady Macbeth and the Wonder makes me curious on what she's gonna bring to the table. I hope she gets to do more than she did in the book.

[@bunnykingIII]

OMG YAS GIRL! i was just thinking the other day that Anya would be amazing as Irulan. Make it happen Dennis!

[@Tk52781]

You almost nailed it with Anya Taylor Joy being cast. Just a different role. Well done 👏. Love your videos !

[@burtisaac1000]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Page001B]

I second your choice for Irulan.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

Well, looks like almost everyone in the comments was wrong, lol. No one seems to have predicted that Florence Pugh would portray Princess Irulan in Dune: Part Two.

[@Pekingesejedi]

Teresa Palmer from “Take Me Home Tonight” and “A Discovery Of Witches” would be PERFECT. I don’t know why she’s not a bigger star

[@wiinterflowers95]

I agree. I loved her on Warm Bodies.

[@mrfoozy47]

I was discussing the possibility of a voice over narration intro scene with a friend of mine the other day, and honestly I think it can definitely work if done well. Pretty much do it similar to Galadriels voice over opening scene in fellowship of the ring, and I think it would work perfectly.

[@edenite]

coming back to this video after watching dune part 2 and look at the pick with anya taylor joy! It wasnt Irulan but nonetheless fantastic

[@byronlee8745]

I have a bet that the princess will make an appearance in at least one of the new Dune movies. She also may do a narration in the films when none of the other characters are saying anything.

[@yecnay25]

I always felt bad for Irulan, always a piece in someone else’s game.

[@markokelly2494]

It's 40-something years since I read Dune, but I've always assumed she was a reference to Anna Comnena, no?

[@BalonKai]

I could see that. But history is not the strong point of many others here, let alone society these days. :-)

[@mencken8]

Happens to people all the time; that’s life. Irulan was a historian, which role she presumably fulfilled.

[@shanenolan8252]

I always enjoyed Virginia madsons into narration in 84 dune .

[@TruckDrivinGamer]

As always, a wonderful informative video Elaine. for myself, I would love to see Margot Robbie taking on this role.

[@jimmywrangles]

Her or Samara Weaving.

[@darthslackus499]

I feel sorry for Princess Irulan. I felt she really cared and loved Paul. If only he returned her affections they truly would have been a power couple. Chani is ok, but she wasn't equipped to navigate the intricacies and pitfalls of Imperium politics. What a short-sighted omniscient that Paul was.

[@rdkap42]

Then he would have been a traditional emperor, a very powerful one, but traditional. His job was to set of Leto to be the God Emperor

[@fredkelly6953]

But without Chani there would be no Leto ll.

[@MarkAtTrees]

@@rdkap42 Leto only became the God emperor because Paul rejected the Golden Path for himself. But a child with Irulan would have potentially placed a Kwisatz Haderach back under the control of the Bene Geserit. So Paul refused to give her a child.

[@Shaunodon95]

I feel sorry for Pincess Irulan because her character was never properly developed in the books. We only know 'she really cared and loved Paul' because that development was arbitrarily thrown in at the end of Dune Messiah. There was no real evidence of it throughout the books and the one interaction that was shown between them was hardly warm. I'm not sure she ever even realised he was still alive in Children of Dune, because her character never even got mentioned at the end of that story. Just completely forgotten. The one time I remember it being brought up to her, she dismissed it with firm denial and I don't think she ever followed it up. That's how strong their bond was apparently. Both the SyFy series did much more justice to her character.

[@Shaunodon95]

@@MarkAtTrees He was actually willing to give Irulan a child but not through natural means. He offered a deal to the Bene Gesserit, but he didn't want it to be a legitimate heir because that would give them a claim to the throne. He wanted control of the throne above all else.

[@littleboots7629]

irulan is an interesting character. a character no one seems to know yet the narrator and the historian of the story the tone maker of our story.irulan is " THEE" influencer but like the opposite the youtube influencer and is totally unnoticed. in later dune books ool she the wife and the non biologica mother of paul's twins. Shes the quoter before every chapter begins. She's straight up a non character in the 1985 movie a basic background character. in later dune books she isn't there but her presents is still there via her books, dairies her words are known. But paul didnt want her to be crediting with anything he loved the twins mother. And made sure everyone knew it. He resented being made to marry her. To make paul legit. Lets talk her schooling as a benagesserite witch she been guided manipulate paul and to bare paul his children which paul know and resented and because of that she isn't given a dominating character in the story even though her station and up bringing should have as a feature character in dune. the way dune writer controls her narrative is the way paul allowed the narrative to be seen its amazing and a different way in story telling. dune has layers and layers it's an onion.

[@iridiumMirror]

Love your videos.

[@mollydickens1280]

Jodie Comer She was just in the Last Duel and Played Princess Elizabeth of York In the White Princess! She has a regal look and accent just a thought?

[@rogueprince1341]

I agree Anya would be awesome in the part. She was good in The Queens Gambit and Last Night in Soho was really good and she can sing. I don't know why that's important but her cover of Downtown blow me away with how good it was.

[@jasonmarcustorraunt]

Like many other comments, I think Madsen as Irulan in the opening for Dune (1984) was perfect. However, this video made me come up with an admittedly kind of crazy theory in which Princess Irulan is a kind of self-insert/representation of Frank Herbert himself. I say this because: 1) he was a self-proclaimed history buff 2) an investigative reporter and 3) a writer himself. I am not necessarily saying Herbert was conscious of or intended to do this, but it seems to kind of fit...

[@shanenolan8252]

The title of one of her books , in my father's house . ( great title)

[@zico739]

The Lucian throne room is very fitting for the Emperor. Damn, I loved Kingsglaive.

[@Dreez76]

I loved both Dune movies, old is a cult classic and the new was very entertaining and cinematic. And Anya Taylor Joy is gorgeous.