Here’s What “Dune” Is Actually About (If You Were Confused By the Trailer)

Clue: sandworms are involved.

Earlier this week, the trailer for Denis Villeneuve's upcoming sci-fi film Dune dropped, starring the internet's boyfriend Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac and Jason Momoa.

With that stellar cast, it's no wonder that the trailer went viral on Twitter. 

If you haven't had a chance to watch it yet, check it out below. But be warned: Momoa doesn't have a beard, and it's a strange sight to behold. 

There's undoubtedly a lot to unpack from the three-minute trailer. It's filled with exhilarating fight sequences, characters being pushed to their limits, stunning cinematography and, uh, giant sandworms.

Of course, the main attraction here is evidently Chalamet and Zendaya's undeniable chemistry. 

timothee and zendaya have SO much chemistry too i’m excited

— Breonna Taylor #SAYHERNAME (@_amenoacid) September 9, 2020

While the trailer is certainly pretty, and stans are excited to see some of their favourite actors in the flick, there's just one tiny issue: people have absolutely no idea what Dune is about. 

Fans have taken to Twitter to express their confusion. 

I have no idea what Dune is about but Zendaya is in it so sign me up

— Ashley K. (@AshleyKSmalls) September 9, 2020

*whispers* i have no idea what dune is and i’m afraid to ask

— kristina (@empathetic_tits) September 9, 2020

I’ve read the book and watched the trailer and still have no idea what Dune is about.

— Mike Blackaby (@mikeblackaby) September 9, 2020

as someone who has never read Dune but has now watched the trailer I can still safely say I have no idea what Dune is about

— tea with tolkien (@TeawithTolkien) September 10, 2020

So, what is Dune about? 

Firstly, it's important to note that Dune is based on the 1965 novel of the same name by Frank Herbert. The novel was already made into a movie in 1984 and a miniseries in 2000. If you're super intrigued by the trailer, it's probably worth reading the book before seeing the movie. 

The story follows the Atreides family, who are the rulers of the ocean planet Caladan. Paul Atreides (Chalamet) is the son of Duke Leto (Isaac), a nobleman who is asked to oversee a dangerous desert planet called Arrakis.

Once the family has relocated to Arrakis, they're asked to take over mining of melange, or "spice", a substance that prolongs human life and enhances cognitive abilities.

We don't want to give away too many spoilers if you haven't read the novel, but let's just say their journey to Arrakis isn't exactly easy, and it's up to Paul to protect his family's legacy. 

Villeneuve publicly stated that this 2020 film will be about the first half of the book, with a second movie covering the remaining half of the novel. 

Ok it is time, I have been pretending to know what Dune is my entire life. Am I missing something?

— ✨Blk Sailor Scout Austin✨ (@sailorsctaustin) September 9, 2020

Who does Zendaya play? 

Zendaya portrays Chani, a Fremen young woman with bright blue eyes. 

Paul dreams of Chani before he meets her upon moving to Arrakis. She is Paul's romantic interest, but she's also extensively skilled at fighting and knows how to take full advantage of using spice. 

Basically, Chani is a total boss. 

no thoughts just zendaya in dune pic.twitter.com/coXxgK6viT

— ʚ♡⃛ɞ (@dykeangst) September 9, 2020

What's with all the worms?

Good question. As it turns out, sandworms are native to Arrakis, and can't be found anywhere else in Herbert's fictional galaxy. 

As reported by Nerdist, they're created when their larval form, known as sandtrout, band together in stores beneath the surface of Arrakis. Ultimately, that makes a liquid chemical that combusts above the ground, creating a mixture known as pre-spice mass.

If a sandtrout survives this process, then they become sandworms. Full-sized sandworms live to be thousands of years old, and grow up to 750 metres in length. 

They're so essential to Dune because their life cycle is key to the production of spice melange. 

Is this the Dune worm y’all keep talking about? pic.twitter.com/UONBfokWWR

— Josie still misses Ben Solo ✨ (@adamdriversputa) September 9, 2020

At the moment, Dune is set to arrive in Aussie cinemas on 26 December 2020. Although, there's always a chance it could be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We know the plot sounds a bit tough to follow, but we're sure it'll make more sense when you watch the movie.

Maybe.

watched the dune trailer and i’m still so confused what the plot is pic.twitter.com/yXM67VQHqL

— aivy (@janeaustn) September 9, 2020

Header Image: Warner Bros. Pictures