TheDuneuniverse has expanded a lot in recent times. While starting as a series of novels by Frank Herbert, thefranchise has received several interpretationsover the years in the form of video games and even movies. The Imperium in Dune is shown as a simple yet complex politically influenced universe divided into several distinct houses all under the watch of the Emperor.
However, not all individuals fall below the category of houses. For instance, the Smugglers are unaligned and operate with their own interests in mind. Smugglers were mainly active on the Arrakis. What role do they play inDune’s universe, especially in Denis Villaneuve’s film interpretations?
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Planet Arrakis And The Smugglers
Also known as Dune,the planet Arrakis is the main plot pointin theDuneuniverse, and mostly consists of desert and barren land. However, under those deserts lies the most important substance in theDuneuniverse: Spice Melange, or simply Spice. The psychedelic drug heightens the senses of those who take it. In some cases, it can even unlock precognition, but only for those who have the necessary genes. Spice is also highly addictive, and can havefatal effects on a person if they withdraw from it.
Due to its sensory-enhancing effects, the Spice is used for space travel, and is the most sought-after commodity in theDuneuniverse. The House overseeing Arrakis is always considered the most powerful for that reason. However, in addition to the noble houses, smugglers on Arrakis sneak Spice and other goods off the planet. Under the class system of Faufreluches, Smugglers mostly belong to the merchant class. They are not pledged to any house, and are led by a businessman known as Esmar Tuek.
Smuggling was most common during House Corinno’s reign, with the Emperor of the time even taking part in the smuggling business. However, during the Harkonnen rule, Smugglers were at the most riskdue to the Fremen Spice Huntersbeing hunted by the Harkonnean. During the Atreides rule of Arrakis, the Duke agreed to let the smugglers conduct their business in exchange for a percentage cut of the profit. This proved to be a mutually beneficial agreement between both parties.
Smugglers' Connection To The Guild
The Spacing Guild is an interstellar organizationthat mainly focuses on traveling and trading. Also called the Guild of Navigators, they are also known for their high usage of Spice Melange.
The Guild was also a monopoly that controlled travel over the whole universe and had immense political power. The Guild was known to assist the Smugglers to get off Arrakis to smuggle Spice and other goods. Being a politically neutral organization, The Guild helped the smugglers move the Spice in exchange for a piece of the profit. It is also speculated that the Guild also bought Spice from the smugglers, considering that all the members of the organization are addicted to Spice.
Smugglers Appearance In Dune: Spice Wars
Dune: Spice Warsmarked the first everDunevideo game which is a real-time strategy game released in 2022. In it, players assume the role of one of four factions seeking control of the Spice Melange on Arrakis. One of these four factions is the Smugglers, who stand out as the most distinct. They are known for their cunning tactics, extensive spy networks, and their ability to exploit and leech onto enemy resources as their own. The game was a faithful adaptation of theDunebooks and gave a rough idea of how the Smugglers would play out strategically.
What Role Do The Smugglers Play In Denis Villaneuve’s Films?
Dune: Part 1 (2021)focused more on the Fremen and the world of Arrakis. In the movie, it was shown how the house Harkonnen controlled Arrakis before being handed over to House Atreides.Dune: Part 1didn’t explicitly mention smugglers, but did shed light on Spice and how it affects political power, especially with regard to which party controls the drug.Dune: Part 1did end on a cliffhanger, ending with events that take place about halfway through the novel. Part two will continue Paul’s story as the new Duke of House Atreides, living among the Fremen and learning more about them.Dune: Part 2will focus on the bigger picture. Paul will find the conspirators against House Atreides, and will explore more about the political influence in the Empire.
With Paul’s destiny to save the Fremen, there is no doubt that the second movie will feature Smugglers. In the novels, Gurney Halleck (played by Josh Brolin in the 2021 film), the War Master of House Atreides and Paul’s mentor, was the one who first made connections with the Smugglers. After House Harkonnen’s attack on House Atreides, Gurney goes into hiding and becomes a Smuggler himself. Gurney learned their ways and waited for the proper time to take revenge on House Harkonnen.
Dune: Part 2may show this part of Gurney’s story, and use it to introduce audiences to the Smugglers. While the Smugglers have a neutral stance against all the Houses, theywill play a bigger part in thesecond film. With Gurney among their ranks, they can potentially influence political events which could help House Atreides reclaim their name.
