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It has become common knowledge that a vast majority of theStar Warsfranchise was inspired by Frank Herbert’sDuneseries. Both have noticeable similarities, and the influence is not surprising considering just how many have had a similar relationship with the classic book series. One of the most evident resemblances between the two stories is the characters of Paul Atreides and Anakin Skywalker.
Their beginnings as heroes and their deaths, reminiscent of antagonists, will forever be heartbreaking. However, there is no denying that one of these stories executed their corruption better than the other. Even though George Lucas was inspired by Herbert’s work, he was unable to outdo the original.
Easy is the Descent to Hell
One of the most intriguing progressions in a story is the corruption of good. When a character who started out as a hero turns into something horrid, all to fulfill their great purpose. Committing atrocities in the name of a good that is more stained in blood than their own hands. Two of the perfect examples of such characters would be Paul Atreides and Anakin Skywalker.
However, there is a stark difference between the original story and the one that drew inspiration from it. Although Anakin’s descent into evil has been regarded as one of the greatest progressions of all time, some have had certain complaints over the years.
Hans Zimmer Leaked an Important Piece of ‘Dune: Part Two’ 2 Years Before Denis Villeneuve Made History With Epic Sci-Fi Sequel
While there is no denying that his story was one of the most tragic parts of the franchise, many have found his motivations to fall into the dark side to be inadequate and uninspired. His motivations could have been handled much better considering all that he went through, and the fact that the series was inspired by theDunebooks.
Paul Atreides Vs. Anakin Skywalker
One fan spoke along the same lines on Reddit under the usernameadogg4629, stating that the twoDunefilms managed to deliver exactly what fans had been wanting from the prequel trilogy.
Dune (1+2) are the Star Wars Prequels we all wanted but never got.
Paul Atreides’ story progression was what inspiredGeorge Lucasto write a character like Anakin Skywalker. However, there is no denying that one corruption arc is better than the other between these two. Where Anakin feels more sudden and jarring when it comes to turning evil and knowing what he is doing, Paul, throughout all of his executions, believes them to be for the greater good.
He wanted to continue his father’s legacy, avenge those who wronged his family, and take on the role of the Lisan al Gaib. However, in the pursuit of these roles, he forgot his own morality, and lines began to blur. He does awful things for the ‘greater good’ and does good things with the wrong intentions.
While Anakin’s story is excellent, it does not carry a similar essence. His fears, insecurities, and hunger for power turn him into someone unrecognizable. Where Paul’s intentions and actions are driven by honor and vengeance, Anakin’s seem simpler in comparison.
“It makes the game more interesting”: Dune: Awakening Wipes Out Timothée Chalamet’s Paul from Existence in Boldest Move That Can Make or Break the Game
Despite this, there is no denying that both of the arcs worked in their own way. Paul needed to be an antihero to fulfill the vision Frank Herbert had for the story. At the same time, Anakin had to have a clear allegiance to the dark side so that the information that he was Luke Skywalker’s father would hit harder.
Where one failed the audience’s hopes for him, the other was failed by the world around him.
WatchDuneon Max, andStar Warsmovies on Disney+.
Ananya Godboley
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2219
Ananya Godboley is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows, with over 2,000 articles published. She has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in psychology from K.R. Mangalam University, Ananya also likes to fangirl as a full-time job. She covers news and analyses on anything from Rick and Morty to Hannibal and even Arcane. In between these lines, she also enjoys superheroes and Taylor Swift.A philosophy enthusiast, Ananya enjoys digging deeper into the media she consumes, trying to understand the root of her favorite characters' behavior.
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anakin skywalkerGeorge Lucaspaul atreides
