George Lucas hasn't exactly been shy about the fact he blended a bunch of different influences to create the sci-fi masterpiece that is his original Star Wars trilogy. Kurosawa movies, westerns, Flash Gordon episodes and more. But perhaps the most influential element on the actual script itself, Frank Herbert's novel, Dune, isn't talked about enough.

And, with the news that Denis Villeneuve's forthcoming Dune will be a very faithful adaptation of the book, 'honouring everything' about it, you should probably start bracing yourself for complaints that Denis Villeneuve is ripping off Star Wars when the movie hits cinemas. Because, if we're being super harsh, the opposite is the case.

Don't believe us? Check out these parallels.

Locations

Disney

So, Star Wars takes place on Tatooine, which is a desert planet. Dune, meanwhile, has Arrakis (otherwise known as Dune), which is also a desert planet. Could be a coincidence, right? Well, Star Wars has the Spice Mines of Kessel, anecdotally mentioned in A New Hope, but is the location of a major set-piece in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Spice is the most valued resource in Dune, and it's mined from the titular planet. Spice Mines, Spice mining? Totally different, you guys.

Villains

Lucasfilm

Not convinced? Fine, spoilers for Dune, but the baddie is the hero's grandfather, which is totally different to the baddie being the hero's father in Star Wars. Oh, and Jabba, that giant slug crossed with a human? Leto II, God Emperor of Dune is a giant worm, crossed with a human. They both sit on a dais. They're both annoying (apologies to James McAvoy, who plays the character in the mini-series Children of Dune).

Jedi Powers

Lucasfilm

Star Wars has the Jedi Mind Trick, which allows a powerful and ancient order to control the behaviour of others through speech. It's used relatively infrequently, considering how many problems it would solve. When used, it allows people to be controlled using simple instructions.

In Dune, there is the Voice, which allows a powerful and ancient order to control the behaviour of others through speech. When used, it allows people to be controlled using simple instructions. "These aren't the homages you're looking for. Move along."

Occupations

Lucasfilm

Dune has 'Dew Collectors' who farm moisture. Which sounds a bit like the 'moisture farmers' of A New Hope, doesn’t it? If you don't want to be a moisture farmer, you can always join the Trade Federation, the interstellar shipping and trade conglomerate. It'll look good on your CV when you apply to join Dune's Spacing Guild, the interstellar shipping and trade conglomerate.

Plot twists

20th Century Fox

A freaky vision of Luke's father figure, Obi-Wan, appears to Luke on Hoth in Empire Strikes Back when it looks like he's about to die. In Dune, a vision of Liet-Kynes' father, Pardot Kynes, appears to Liet-Kynes in the desert, when he's actually dying.

Incidentally, Liet-Kynes is played by Max Von Sydow in David Lynch's Dune, who also appears in The Force Awakens.

Dune has Princess Alia, who has the surprising ability to communicate with her brother psychically. So, nothing like Princess Leia, then. Cool, cool, cool.

In The Empire Strikes Back, the heroes' iconic vehicle is almost eaten by a giant eyeless worm. It’s a shocking moment. In Dune, the Duke's ornithopter barely escapes from the jaws of a giant, sightless sandworm. It’s a shocking moment.

Technology

20th Century Fox

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Luke spies on the Sandpeople using electrobinoculars, which he probably borrowed from Paul in Dune, who uses them to spy on the Fremen.

Luke practices his lightsaber skills using a training remote, Alia practices her sword skills against a training dummy. They're both automated.

In Star Wars many vehicles use repulsors – tiny devices which fight gravity. In Dune, the devices are called suspensors, but they do exactly the same thing.

Can we just all admit these things all take place in the same universe and shove Darth Vader into Denis Villeneuve's Dune, please? Thanks!

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