Frank Herbert captivated his readers with expansive stories and larger than life heroes. The most recent film adaptation of his writing, directed by Denis Villeneuve, encapsulates the grandeur of the novel through epic cinematography and massive scales. Dune won six Academy Awards for its production, but the story and characters at the film's heart are the real reason audiences stay glued to their seats for the whole two hours and 35 minutes.

Dune follows the royal family in house Atreides, a growing power in the galaxy, as they navigate political and physical attacks on their dukedom. Heir to the kingdom, Paul Atreides, must grow into his royal role and use his unique powers to survive the conflict and protect his people. Each of the characters in Dune have some kind of specialty that makes them stand out. We love every minute of watching these powerhouse thinkers and fighters come together for battles of epic proportions. If you are still trying to keep the main cast of characters straight or trying to get a refresher ahead of Dune: Part Two, here is a guide to help you get started.

Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides

A scene from Dune
Warner Bros. Pictures

As a descendent of both the Duke Atreides and the Bene Gesserit, Paul adopts his ancestry's phenomenal powers. Paul inherits his father's charisma and leadership, and eventually his father's position. Thanks to his mother and Bene Gesserit training, Paul can also see the future, bend people's will by using just his voice, and perceive minute details in speech and body language. In the first Dune film, Paul is just starting to realize his power, and he grapples with the weighty responsibilities that come with it.

Timothée Chalamet is famous for his other roles in Little Women and Call Me by Your Name. Even though his career is just getting started, he has already acted in two of the biggest science fiction movies to date, Dune and Interstellar. He is still establishing his reputation as an actor, but he seems well-equipped to play emotionally complex characters and serious roles.

Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides

A bearded Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides in Dune: Part One
Warner Bros. Pictures

Duke Leto Atreides in many ways represents the perfect leader. He is calculating and wise, yet endearingly loyal to his people and his staff. He is known (like many Atreides before him) for ruling with an iron fist yet also fostering personal relationships and undying loyalty in his followers. Because of his reputation, the emperor feels threatened by Duke Atreides' growing power. The emperor gives Leto the impossible task of mining spice on the desert planet Dune and sends the Atreides family there to die.

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Oscar Isaac shows off his acting excellence in this role. He perfectly captures the warm and heroic father as well as the stressed political tactician. Oscar Issac is also known for his starring role in Moon Knight and for playing Poe Dameron in Star Wars. He frequently takes on emotionally complex roles and stories pertaining to mental health.

Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica Atreides

Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Atreides in Dune
Warner Bros.

Lady Jessica grew up training as a Bene Gesserit before joining the Atreides family. Paul's mother did not marry his father for political reasons. Other planets were more likely to cooperate with house Atreides if there was still a chance to marry into the Atreides household. Jessica remained the royal concubine, but maintained a deep love for and trust in the Duke. She even gave Leto a male heir against the wishes of her Bene Gesserit leaders. Her deep and abiding love for Leto and Paul matched with her incredible perception and power makes her a strong ally and a formidable enemy.

Rebecca Ferguson has starred in many blockbuster movies of late. She played Jenny Lind in The Greatest Showman and Ilsa Faust in Mission Impossible. She consistently plays knockout women complete with killer looks, brains, and brawn.

Zendaya as Chani

A scene from Dune
Warner Bros. Pictures

We didn't get to see very much of this character in the first Dune; she mostly appeared in Paul's dreams and flashes of the future. But we can expect to see much more of her in Dune: Part Two. As a member of Freman royalty, Chani is just as well-trained in combat and politics as Paul, if not better. Like her fellow Fremen, Chani is a ruthless fighter and shares a special relationship with Dune's dessert.

Hollywood loves Zendaya for her composure and maturity both on and off-screen. She got her start on Disney Channel, but has since grown into more mature starring roles in Euphoria and Spiderman: No Way Home. In Dune, Zendaya brings a powerhouse performance to an otherwise simple and minor role.

Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho

Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho in Dune
Warner Bros.

As the swords master, Duncan Idaho has the reputation for being one of the most feared fighters in the galaxy. Duke Leto Atreides sends Idaho to build up relationships with the native Fremen people on Dune. Because of Duncan Idaho's skills in combat, Idaho quickly gains the respect of the people. Idaho protects the Atreides family from all kinds of disasters, but especially a surprise attack on the palace.

Jason Momoa's most famous roles include Aquaman and Ronan Dex in Stargate Atlantis. He often plays brawny fighters with a wild side and great sense of humor. Momoa brings his strong fighting style with him to Dune. But we were also excited to see him show off his depth of acting skills by playing this more sophisticated and heartfelt character.

Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen

Stellan Skarsgård as Vladimir Harkonnen  in Dune
Warmer Bros.

Every epic story needs an epic villain. The Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is the perfect foe to face off against house Atreides. On one hand, the Baron shares the Atreides' strong armies, strong political power, and calculating patience. On the other hand, the Baron is the opposite of house Atreides' in his cruelty and the fear he purposefully inspires. The Baron became very wealthy by mining spice as the old overseer of Dune. When the Emperor gives the Baron's planet to House Atreides, the Baron is determined to do anything necessary to get it back.

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Stellan Skarsgård is famous for his roles in numerous films, including Good Will Hunting and Nyphomaniac. He brings out the callousness and queitly overpowering personality of this character. We look forward to seeing him in Dune's sequel and the upcoming Andor series on Disney+.

Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat

Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat the Mentat in Dune
Warner Bros.

A mentat has many responsibilities. The first Dune film focuses in on Hawat's security responsibilities, but in the book he also acts as a warehouse of information and data; almost like a living computer. Thufir Hawat's kind demeanor and soft exterior makes him different from other's in the Duke's core staff, but his keen intellect puts him back on equal grounds. Stephen McKinley Henderson has stared in famous films like Fences, Lady Bird, and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. His version of Thufir Hawat is utterly likable, and leaves us wanting to see more of the character.

Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck

Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck in Dune
Warner Bros.

Gurney Halleck rounds out the Duke's closest trio of staff. As one of the Duke's most trusted men, Gurney Halleck became the Duke's Warmaster. His unmatched battle stratagem as well as his skills with the sword make him the perfect man for the job. Gurney's skills not only play an important part on the physical battlefield but on the political one as well. As one of Paul's teachers, Gurney's brusk character with a subtle softness has a special place in all of our hearts.

Even though Josh Brolin's biggest role may be Thanos in Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War, the purple CGI makes him hard to recognize. He's been one of the best American actors of the past two decades, with excellent performances in No Country for Old Men, True Grit, Milk, Only The Brave, and American Gangster.