How Dune Inspired Star Wars

Frank Herbert’s Dune is widely regarded as a cornerstone of science fiction, and its influence can be seen far beyond the pages of its own epic. From sprawling desert worlds and complex political intrigue to mystical orders and interstellar empires, Dune helped shape the foundation of modern sci-fi storytelling – including the galaxy far, far away in Star Wars. 

In this post, we’ll explore the ways Herbert’s masterpiece inspired George Lucas and left a lasting mark on one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.

Common Aspects Between Both Works

The rise of Paul Atreides in Dune closely mirrors Luke Skywalker’s journey in Star Wars. Both start as unlikely heroes who gradually master mysterious powers while confronting enormous challenges on the paths to fulfilling their destinies. Interestingly, each is also descended from notorious figures (I won’t spoil it – just in case you somehow don’t know).

Both characters come of age on harsh desert worlds. Paul is thrust into life on Arrakis, a deadly planet with two moons, while Luke grows up on Tatooine, famous for its twin suns. These arid landscapes share water scarcity, lethal sand-dwelling creatures (sandworms and the Sarlacc), and the use of “sandcrawler” vehicles to navigate the terrain.

Resistance to oppressive empires is central to both stories. Dune introduces the Galactic Padishah Empire, or Imperium, while Star Wars features the Galactic Empire – names that are strikingly similar. Each is controlled by a shadowy emperor (Shaddam IV and Palpatine) who manipulates events through fearsome generals (Baron Harkonnen and Darth Vader). Their armies – the Sardaukar and the stormtroopers – serve as elite enforcers meant to crush opposition.

Both Paul and Luke lead guerrilla campaigns against these powers. Luke rises through the Rebel Alliance to become a key military leader, while Paul unites the Fremen and launches a devastating jihad. Their revolutions are fought not only with force but also through mythic symbolism.Mystical orders with near-supernatural abilities also play key roles. The Bene Gesserit in Dune and the Jedi in Star Wars operate through prophecy, mental discipline, and combat skill. In both universes, it is Paul and Luke who rise above all others, wielding these powers to reshape the future.

Other Similarities

Psychic siblings: Princess Alia and Princess Leia (notice the similarity in names) are sisters to Paul and Luke, respectively. Both pairs share mental bonds that allow them to sense each other’s presence and communicate without speaking.

Assassination attempts: Both stories feature nearly identical scenes. In Dune, a hunter-seeker drone sneaks into Paul’s room, controlled remotely by a hidden killer. In Star Wars, a small drone guided by someone nearby delivers poisonous worms into Padmé Amidala’s bedroom.

Conclusion

It’s clear that George Lucas drew significant inspiration from Dune when creating the Star Wars universe. The parallels – desert planets, mystical powers, galactic empires – are too numerous to ignore.

That said, Star Wars is not simply a copy of Dune. Despite the similarities, the two stories differ in tone and focus. Star Wars is a fast-paced space opera emphasizing action and heroism, while Dune is a slow-burning epic exploring politics, ecology, religion, and human nature.