Frank Herbert’sDunehas been adapted into film not once, not twice, but three times. The 1984 film, the 2000 TV miniseries, and the 2021 film all present different visions of Paul Atreides' quest of revenge and spiritual awakening. While the story remains the same, each cast has their own way of portraying Dune’s heroes and villains.
We’ve gathered each of the actors that have played the main characters side-by side; which cast is your favorite? Perhaps more importantly, which actors are closest to the vision of the original novel?
7Duke Leto Atreides
Jürgen Prochnow (1984), William Hurt (2000), Oscar Isaac (2021)
Paul’s father is the head of House Atreides, recently appointed as the governor of Dune by Emperor Shaddam. Leto’s death at the hands of his enemies shortly after the family’s arrival on Arrakis sets events in motion that will have consequences across the galaxy.
German actorJürgen Prochnow, most famous for playing military officers in World War 2 films likeDas BootandThe English Patient, portrayed the Duke in 1984.
William Hurttook the role in the 2000 miniseries; the four-time Academy Award Nominee is probably best known to modern audiences as Thaddeus Russ in theMarvel Cinematic Universe.
Oscar Isaac, the most recent Duke Leto, needs no introduction. While he’s had many roles, he is famous for playing Poe Dameron inStar Wars.
6Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
Kenneth McMillan (1984), Ian McNeice (2000), Stellan Skarsgård (2021)
The decadent, scheming Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is the former ruler of Dune, who gave up his fief in a conspiracy with the Emperor to destroy House Atreides and secure a monopoly over the spice. He’s a ruthless, cold-blooded monster and proud of it.
The Baron was first played byKenneth McMillan, an actor with extensive television credits who passed away a few years after the film’s release.
Ian McNeice, a stage actor with credits in the Royal Shakespeare Company and on Broadway, took the villainous role in the 2000 mini-series.Doctor Whofans may recognize him as Emperor Winston Churchill from an alternate timeline.
Veteran performerStellan Skarsgård, under heavy prosthetics, brings the Baron to life in the Dennis Villeneuve films. His roles are almost too numerous to count, but he’s played himself onThe Simpsons- a sure sign of success!
5Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Sting (1984), Matt Keeslar (2000), Austin Butler (2024)
Feyd-Rautha is Baron Harkonnen’s nephew and chosen heir. He seeks to prove himself a worthy successor to House Harkonnen by showing cruelty and indulgence in front of his uncle, making him a perfect foil for the disciplined, forthright Paul.
Feyd-Rautha’s rock star lifestyle was portrayed by an actual rock star in the 1984 David Lynch film;Sting, the frontman of The Police, is one of the first people fans think of when the movie is brought up to this day.
Matt Keeslar, who had multiple TV and film roles throughout the ’90s and 2000s, includingScream 3, played the hedonistic heir in the Sci-Fi Channel miniseries.
Feyd-Rautha doesn’t appear in Dune (2021), but will be introduced in Dune: Part Two. He’ll be played byAustin Butler,who most recently got audiences' attention in the biographical title role ofElvis.
4Stilgar Ben Fifrawi
Everett McGill (1984), Uwe Ochsenknecht (2000), Javier Bardem (2021)
Stilgar is the Naib of Sietch Tabr. As leader of the local Fremen tribe, he sees that their laws are followed and traditions respected. He takes in Jessica and Paul from the desert, eventually becoming Muad’Dib’s best friend and staunchest ally.
Everett McGill, who would later go on to play Big Ed inTwin Peaks, played Stilgar in the original film.
Uwe Ochsenknecht, whose credits mostly include German-language TV and film, was cast as Stilgar in the miniseries. He was also inDas Bootwith Jürgen Prochnow, making a fun connection to the earlier Dune movie.
The most recent Stilgar isJavier Bardem. This Spanish actor has extensive credits, but is best known for playing mastermindBondvillain Silva inSkyfall.
3Lady Jessica
Francesca Annis (1984), Saskia Reeves (2000), Rebecca Ferguson (2021)
Lady Jessica is Paul’s mother and a member of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. She teaches Paul the mystical techniques of her order, and they escape the Harkonnens' massacre of House Atreides together. She later becomes a Reverend Mother of the Fremen, gaining new powers of insight.
Francesca Annis, who played Jessica in the 1984 film, has been acting since the 1950s. Jessica is arguably still her best-known role.
Like Annis,Saskia Reeveshas a decades-long career, including the role of Jessica in the 2000 miniseries.
Rebecca Ferguson, the newest Jessica, has a recurring role as Ilsa Faust in theMission Impossibleseries, and appeared as Jenny inThe Greatest Showman.
2Chani Kynes
Sean Young (1984), Barbora Kodetová (2000), Zendaya (2021)
Despite being the daughter of an off-worlder, Chani is fiercely loyal to the Fremen. She and Paul fall in love as teenagers, and their children go on to rule the galaxy for millennia.
Sean Youngis best known for playing Rachael inBlade Runner, but she also portrayed Chani in the David Lynch version of Dune.
In the miniseries, Chani was played by Czech actressBarbora Kodetová. Kodetová is frequently seen in European film and TV.
Zendayalends her star power to the cast of the Villeneuve films as Chani. In addition to her music career, she also played MJ inSpider-Manand starred in the acclaimed seriesEuphoria.
Kyle MacLachlan (1984), Alec Newman (2000), Timothée Chalamet (2021)
Paul Atreides, known as Muad’Dib to the Fremen, is the protagonist of Dune. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Harkonnens, he spends years living with the Fremen, ultimately leading them in a rebellion that propels him to the imperial throne.
Kyle MacLachlanworked with David Lynch on multiple projects, including Dune andTwin Peaks.He’s had a very active career, fromSex And The CitytoPortlandiaand everything in between.
The 2000 Dune miniseries was a defining role forAlec Newmanas Muad’Dib. Gamers will likely recognize him as Vladimir Blum inAlan Wake 2.
The current Dune films haveTimothée Chalametin the lead role. He’s performed on stage and screen, most recently as the title character inWonka, and became famous for a heartthrob turn inCall Me By Your Name.
