Dune has several compelling and complex characters, so placing them inside the Hogwarts House system might not be as easy as it sounds.
Dune finally premiered this weekend, immersing audiences in the dry and dangerous planet of Arrakis. Denis Villeneuve's space epic features a sprawling cast of characters that work together to create a socially and, more importantly, morally complex world and welcome audiences into it.
Placing this collection of characters into Harry Potter's House system might seem like an easy task at first sight. However, upon close examination, the decision might not be as straightforward as initially thought. Indeed, these people are complex, juggling several emotions and states of mind throughout the movie, thus adding some much-needed excitement to the otherwise simple choice of placing them in a Hogwarts House.
Introduced midway through the movie, Liet-Kynes is the imperial ecologist and judge of change in Arrakis. She's a serious and determined woman who acts as a liaison between Fremen and the Empire. It eventually becomes clear that she sees herself as a Fremen and works in their interests.
Kynes might come across as harsh and somewhat unkind at first, but she's one of the most likable characters in Dune. Brave and staunchly loyal to the Fremen, she's an obvious choice for Gryffindor House. However, her courage is in full display when she risks her life to help Paul and Jessica. When her death becomes imminent, she faces it without fear, pridefully declaring herself part of the Fremen.
The leader of the Fremen tribe at Sietch Tabr, Stilgar is a solemn man who has no time for nonsense. Arrakis' harsh living conditions and his role as chief toughened him up, making him relentless and unyielding. Stilgar has a brief role in Dune Part I, but his importance will surely increase in Part II.
Despite their reputation, not all Slytherins are evil, and, in fact, they can be pretty heroic. It's easy to see that the tribe holds Stilgar in high regard; even Ducan Idaho expresses admiration for the man. Stilgar is resourceful and perhaps somewhat detached, but he's also shrewd, qualities that would make him an ideal member of the house of green and silver.
Dr. Yueh is arguably the most divisive figure in Dune. He serves as House Atreides' doctor and shows loyalty towards them, at least at first sight. However, he turns out to be conspiring against them, helping House Harkonnen to save his wife from the Baron's cruel hands.
Yueh might be another of Harkonnen's victims, but he was still willing to sacrifice an entire dukedom and countless lives just to save one. Knowing about the Baron's infamy, the doctor also plotted against him, confirming his duplicitous and slightly Machiavellian side. Yueh would be more than welcome among the most notable of Slytherins.
House Atreides' Mentat is Thufir Hawat, a dutiful man always ready to serve. By the time Dune begins, Hawat has served the Atreides for years and has their absolute trust. He plays a prominent role throughout the book, becoming one of the Harkonnens most dangerous and unexpected threats.
Multiple characters note Hawat's immense knowledge and capabilities. He's a valued member of Leto's inner circle, staunchly loyal to him and his family. Hawat might be a worthy member of multiple Hogwarts Houses, but his vast wisdom makes him Ravenclaw-bound.
Ducan Idaho is the Atreides' swordmaster and Paul's mentor. The two share a deep bond, made apparent by their happiness whenever they're with each other. Paul has great respect and admiration for Duncan, and he is in awe of the swordmaster's skill and bravery.
Idaho's courage, even in the face of certain death, makes him an obvious choice for Gryffindor. His tremendous valor in battle and his unbreakable loyalty towards Paul cement his place in the house of gold and scarlet, home to the most courageous wizards in the world of Harry Potter.
Denis Villeneuve's filmography has some very memorable villains, but Baron Harkonnen might be the best. Sinister, vile, and slightly repulsive, Harkonnen is a seemingly inescapable presence in Dune, casting a large shadow over the deserts of Arrakis.
Harkonnen's power-lust, selfishness, resourcefulness, and cunning instincts make him an obvious choice for Slytherin House. The Sorting Hat would barely touch his head before declaring so. After all, not all Slytherins turn out to be evil wizards, but many of them sure did.
Gurney Halleck is the stoic weapons master of House Atreides. He's also a mentor to Paul, pushing the young heir to always be ready for everything. Hurney understands the danger the Harkonnens pose and knows Paul needs to be prepared for the eventual war.
Like the best of Gryffindors, Gurney is willing to die for what he stands for. His courage becomes apparent throughout the film, whether he's venturing into the desert to rescue Paul or running to the thick of battle to confront the Harkonnen army.
Paul's father, Leto, is the Duke of House Atreides, the ruler of Caladan, and the new steward of Arrakis. Leto is a pragmatic and empathetic man, guided by honor and duty. He understands the value of allies, preferring to foster alliances rather than enforce his authority on others.
Leto exhibits many qualities worthy of a Gryffindor. However, his interest in working with the Fremen and liberating Arrakis from the Empire's hold makes him a Hufflepuff at heart. Like the best members of the badger's house, Leto is humble; he doesn't seek power but accepts it when offered. A hard worker, he values teamwork and is always ready to help those in need.
Lady Jessica is Paul's Bene Gesserit mother and Leto's concubine. Strong-willed and determined to protect Paul, Jessica is a force to be reckoned with within House Atreides. Jessica is gentle towards Paul, but she carries herself with a somewhat cold demeanor that keeps her at a distance from others.
Shrewd, ambitious, and somewhat manipulative, Lady Jessica is one of the most intelligent characters in Dune. She pursues her own interests, even if it means going against the Bene Gesserit. Jessica also presents Paul as the Lisan al'Galib, the messiah, and herself as the Reverend Mother prophesized to bring him to the Fremen. Her resourcefulness and ambition make her a perfect Slytherin, worthy of standing among the best of them.
Dune's protagonist is a confusing figure. Paul might seem passive at times, especially considering the larger-than-life machinations going on around him. Dune explores themes of heroism and the inescapable burdens that come with it. As such, Paul is a bit of a thankless role, a messianic figure restrained by the movement that exalted him in the first place.
Throughout the movie, Paul is at the mercy of life's events. He has no control over his path until the very end when he chooses to continue his father's work. He spends his time learning everything he can about Arrakis, trying to make sense of the mysterious dreams that plague him. His thirst for knowledge leads him down a Ravenclaw's path, as does his predominantly individualistic view on things.
