Dune: 5 Reasons It Will Be A Massive Hit (And 5 Reasons It Will Flop)

Dune tells the story of a chosen one with magical powers that fights an intergalactic empire from a desert planet. Yes, George Lucas definitely cribbed from Frank Herbert's novel when creating his own hero's journey set in an galaxy far far away. In fact, the similarities were so stark Hebert contemplated suing George Lucas over it, but decided to let the filmmaker have his moment.

Of course, Star Wars went on to be one of the highest grossing films of all-time to this day (adjusted for inflation) and spawned a massive franchise that is still producing content four decades later. Dune's powerful story about an oppressed people rising up to battle the forces that exploit them is similar to the one contained in Star Wars, but Dune is a much more nuanced tale, which considers the possible messy aftermath such a rebellion would bring.

Today's audiences like their popcorn fare to have greater depth than a simple good versus evil tale. Dune does not shy away from presenting the harder edges of its hero Paul Atreides, who is not simply motivated by wanting to defeat evil, but is also out to avenge the wrongs done to him on a personal level.

Star Wars more simplistic take on good versus evil gives it a mythic quality that resonated with audiences which was perfect for its time. Dune will give people these surface thrills but leave them with more to chew long after the credits role.