Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, stands ahead as one of the most influential sci-fi series in literature. Now that the story is being turned into a film series by Denis Villeneuve, featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, fans are learning about the epic and exciting tale of a universe forever affected by a messianic figure.
Meanwhile, audiences suddenly got divisive about the cast’s costumes during the premiere. Calling out Dune’s reliance on Middle Eastern cultural practices, netizens on X offered harsh criticism of Anya Taylor-Joy’s outfit. However, fans of Frank Herbert’s novels came up with proper explanations and the MENA influence, which further affected the cast’s costume.
Frank Herbert Took MENA Inspiration for Dune Novels
The fantastical nature of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel Dune stands tall in the field of literature. Even decades later, the impact of the story can be felt via Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the novels. Therefore, the films undoubtedly create a major impact on pop culture and even on the landscape of cinema at large. But while discussing the influence of Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet’s films on viewers, it’s important to note what inspired Herbert’s novels.
Well, it’s quite obvious that the alluring nature of Frank Herbert’s Dune and its rich lore is quite similar to that of the stories from the Middle East. The close-knit community fighting against a nigh-omnipotent empire isn’t the most original story, since the exciting tale surrounding a messianic figure exudes a very religious sort of tale. And certainly, the novel finds itself entrenched in reality with various real-world influences.
What cannot be separated from the dynamic franchise of Dune, is its stylistic and cultural inspirations. Thus, there’s no denying that Frank Herbert’s novel relies on the MENA influence and cultural practices. Quite significantly even the films that were adapted from the novels, followed the same MENA influence and proceeded with the cinematic theme, costume, and makeup.
Fans Defend Zendaya’s Film With Proper Explanation
While Frank Herbert’s Dune emitted a very Middle Eastern theme, starting from the desert planet’s location to costumes and practices, fans were seemingly unfazed by it. But surprisingly as soon as Denis Villeneuve adapted the novel and turned it into his film series featuring Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and others, few fans began pointing out how they used the MENA-influenced source material without employing MENA actors or creatives.
Further, the debate aggravated after Dune: Part Two premiere, where the cast, especially Anya Taylor-Joy was spotted wearing a white veiled gown similar to an Islamic attire Burqa. This costume choice sparked controversies on X, as fans began attacking the film for being obsessed with the Arabian desert princess aesthetics. Calling it racist on behalf of MENA and SWANA people, netizens slammed Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet’s movie.
Meanwhile, one die-hard fan of the Dune novels came in support of Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming movie as he explained the whole thing with valid reasons. Addressing how the films are based on Frank Herbert’s novels which are inspired by the MENA culture, the fan noted that it’s impossible to adapt the story without taking its essence.
Dune is in an impossible position where they either embrace the Mena influence and reinforce dangerous racist stereotypes, or play down the Mena influence, but then still be appropriative and not include actors. It’s not perfect, but I personally think they chose the right path https://t.co/Q0VyQos5y8
— Brendan Hodges (@metaplexmovies) February 18, 2024
Explaining the impossible position where the movie is, the fan noted that Denis Villeneuve could either embrace the MENA influence completely and even reinforce the racist stereotypes, or they could tone it down. Addressing the harsh criticism the fan thus noted, how the director chose the right path instead of completely embracing the culture.
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The fan implied that this is perhaps why Denis Villeneuve played down the MENA influence as much as possible and shifted away from things that would end up being called out as racist. Ultimately defending Dune the fan noted that it might not be perfect, but the actors and the crew chose the right path, as much as possible.
