Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Denis Villeneuve’sDuneis an adaptation of author Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel of the same name. However, given the sheer scale and scope of the novel, it is understandable that Villeneuve and his team took some creative liberties while adapting the source material for the big screen.
One of the major yet subtle changes made to the book’s story is in relation to one of the important supporting characters from the earlier portions of Paul Atreides, and his mother, Lady Jessica’s time on the desert planet Arrakis. Here is everything you need to know about the changes Villeneuve made to this character and why they were gender-swapped in the film.
Why Did Denis Villeneuve Gender-Swap a MajorDuneCharacter?
In 2021’sDune, viewers are introduced to a sprawling new world brimming with conflict between various factions asTimothée Chalamet‘s Paul Atreides finds himself in the middle of chaos following the death of his father. After fleeing to Arrakis, Paul eventually crosses paths with Dr. Liet Kynes, an Imperial ecologist.
In the book, the character of Dr. Liet Kynes is a white male who serves as an ally to House Atreides. Kynes is also depicted as a white male in David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation with Max von Sydow in the role. However, in the 2021 film adaptation, the character has been gender-swapped to an African-American woman with actress Sharon Duncan-Brewster ofSex Educationessaying the role.
“I can’t actually say this. I’ll get in trouble”: Jason Momoa Addresses His Dune 3 Return After Claiming Denis Villeneuve Cut a Major Scene
In a 2020 interview withVanity Fair, Duncan-Brewster opened up about playing a gender-bent version of the character and shed light on directorDenis Villeneuve‘s decision to make the change. She stated:
“What Denis had stated to me was there was a lack of female characters in his cast, and he had always been very feminist, pro-women, and wanted to write the role for a woman.”
Duncan-Brewster made the above statement, highlighting Villeneuve’s feminist beliefs as the primary reason behind the change to the source material. At the same time, the actress explained that the character is essentially a peacekeeper and Villeneuve believed women are generally better at brokering peace, resulting in the gender-bent version of Kynes.
How Does Liet Kynes inDuneDiffer From Her Book Counterpart?
The 2021 film version of Dr. Liet Kynes is mostly fundamentally similar to her book counterpart, aside from the swapping of gender and changing of race. In the books, Kynes is also an ally of House Atreides, who tries to help Paul and Lady Jessica on Arrakis. However, the character’s fatein the source materialis slightly different when compared to the film.
In the film, Kynes is mortally wounded in a fight with Sardaukar soldiers while helping Paul and Lady Jessica escape. She later dies after luring a sandworm to her location, taking out the Sardaukar soldiers in the process. In the book, Kynes is punished for assisting House Atreides and abandoned in the desert, eventually dying during a spice blow.
Dune 3: Denis Villeneuve’s Trilogy Will Make Him Hollywood’s Most Hated Director After Rian Johnson’s Star Wars Movie
While the film retains Kynes dying due to loyalty to House Atreides, the death feels more impactful because of its sacrificial nature. In the book, Kynes is also the father of Zendaya’s Chani, a Fremen warrior and love interest of Paul. However, the films have yet to address this connection, and this revelation will likely be changed because of the character’s gender-swap.
Duneis streaming on Max.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1775
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
More from Pratik Handore
Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Isles of the Emberdark’ Ending Explained
Seth Rogen Had to Apologize for Comparing Clint Eastwood’s Biggest Movie to Inglourious Basterds
Did Dustin Hoffman Really Slap Meryl Streep in Kramer vs Kramer – Entire Fight Explained
Recommended
Sekiro: No Defeat Might Outshine the Elden Ring Movie as FromSoft’s Next Big Adaptation
Everything You Can Unlock In The New Final Final Fantasy 14 X Monster Hunter Wilds Crossover
Gen V Season 2: How Many Episodes Are in the Prime Video Series?
5 Addictive Discord Games That Will Hook Your Whole Squad
Helen Mirren Agrees With Ana de Armas for Next James Bond With Feminist Take
Keeper Trailer: Tatiana Maslany Tries to Survive in Longlegs Director’s Next Horror Flick
Denis VilleneuveTimothée Chalamet
