Also in play is Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), the Duke’s son with Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), an outcast member of a sisterhood of women called the Bene Gesserit. The Gesserit, who are trying to breed a messiah-like figure called the Kwisatz Haderach, shun Jessica for having a son instead of a daughter and thus violating the Gesserit’s plans.

So the Gesserit leader, the Reverend Mother (Charlotte Rampling), helps instigate the war, as well, hoping to get Paul — whom they believe might be the Kwisatz Haderach — out from the influence of his mother.