The new prequel series, Dune: Prophecy, has introduced a replacement for Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho character, but there’s a notable twist to him. Idaho was introduced in Frank Herbert’s original Dune novel as the loyal Swordmaster to House Atreides. The climax of the 2021 film adaptation saw Jason Momoa’s iteration give his life for Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica, solidifying him as one of the franchise’s heroes. But his absence left a notable void in 2024’s Dune: Part Two, as, even though it’s the best Dune movie, it’s largely lacking in humor.
Sure, Stilgar adds some comedy to Dune: Part Two, and it’s not that Dune needs to be a comedy. However, having a bit of levity to balance out the intense lore and thematic exploration can make the world feel more lived in. Jason Momoa and Timothée Chalamet had excellent chemistry in the first movie, and there’s nothing quite like it in the new series so far. HBO’s prequel is set 10,000 years earlier on Dune’s timeline, examining a political situation surrounding the early stages of the Bene Gesserit.
Desmond Hart Is Duncan Idaho’s Replacement
Desmond Hart Is Dune: Prophecy’s Tough Warrior Character
When Desmond Hart is first introduced in Dune: Prophecy’s premiere episode, he bears a notable resemblance to Duncan Idaho’s archetype. He’s a veteran warrior who learned the ways of desert warfare to survive twelve tours on Arrakis, making him one of the most invaluable soldiers in the entire Imperium. Hart is played by Travis Fimmel in Dune: Prophecy’s cast, an actor who’s no stranger to epic television, having starred in Vikings and HBO’s Raised by Wolves.
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Upon his introduction, Hart seems like the type of arrogant soldier character with an attitude that could match Duncan Idaho’s presence. It almost appears like he could be the charismatic hero of the prequel show. However, there’s much more to Desmond Hart than what initially meets the eye. It becomes apparent rather quickly that he’s not quite right in the head, and there are layers of mystery to him that weren’t present with Duncan Idaho. Hart has an agenda on Selusa Secundus, and Dune: Prophecy’s episode 1 ending sees him begin to carry it out.
Desmond Hart Becomes A Major Villain – And More Powerful Than Duncan Idaho
Desmond Hart Has An Agenda Against The Sisterhood
The first episode’s shocking climax sees Desmond Hart seemingly murder the young Pruwet Richese, suggesting that he’s likely to be the show’s antagonist. While his exact motive isn’t clear just yet, Hart is intent on destroying the Sisterhood, suggesting to Richese that they’ve gained too much power and control over politics in the Known Universe. He also exchanged a distrusting glance with the Emperor’s Truthsayer, Kasha, earlier in the episode. Emperor Corrino also sees Hart survive a sandworm attack, which is a miracle.
Hart’s mystical powers also present a sense of intrigue for his character, as there’s nothing like what he does to Pruwet Richese in the books.
The Dune universe is typically more complicated than just having heroes and villains, with the franchise’s lead, Paul Atreides, not really fitting either category. With the Bene Gesserit being the protagonists in Dune: Prophecy, it would make sense that Desmond Hart is the antagonist, but it’s to be seen and discussed who’s right or wrong. Valya Harkonnen certainly isn’t a clear-cut hero. Hart’s mystical powers also present a sense of intrigue for his character, as there’s nothing like what he does to Pruwet Richese in the books.
Desmond Hart Shows Why Dune Still Needs Jason Momoa
The Dune Universe Could Use Some More Humor
Desmond Hart has the makings of a fascinating character, but he’s also a reminder of how much the first movie benefited from Duncan Idaho and Jason Momoa’s performance. Something Dune: Prophecy lacks so far is humor, and again, while Dune doesn’t need to be a comedy, having levity in such an expansive, complicated fictional universe is a crucial way of making the world feel lived in and meaningful. For these worlds to work and to capture audience interest, humor is an excellent way of giving characters personalities beyond just their plot objectives.
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While he hasn’t been cast yet, Jason Momoa should return for 2026’s planned Dune: Part 3. Yes, his character died in the first film, but the book Dune Messiah introduces something called the ghola, which is an artificial human created by using the remains of a dead person, and it’s done to Duncan Idaho. This version of Duncan likely won’t involve as much humor; it’s possible that Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation would include more jokes to bring back the version of the character audiences and, importantly, Paul Atreides is familiar with. In the meantime, Dune: Prophecy could use some lightheartedness.
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, this sci-fi epic follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.
- Cast
- Emily Watson , Olivia Williams , Jodhi May , Travis Fimmel , Mark Strong , Jade Anouka , Chris Mason , Sarah-Sofie Boussnina , Shalom Brune-Franklin , Faoileann Cunningham , Aoife Hinds , Chloe Lea , Josh Heuston , Edward Davis , Tabu , Yerin Ha
- Release Date
- November 17, 2024
- Seasons
- 1