The Future of LEGO Dune

Fans of Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi novels and David Villeneuve’s spectacular movie adaptation were given a pleasant surprise several weeks ago with the reveal of the latest LEGO Icons set – Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter 10327.

With so many other big LEGO set releases and events on the horizon at the time, the reveal did feel a bit like it unexpectedly flew in from nowhere (get it?). And now the dust spice melange has had a chance to settle, it is tempting to speculate on what the future holds, if anything, for Dune movie-tie-in LEGO releases.

LEGO Icons Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter

The new Dune brick-built set is currently available for pre-order for £149.99, with a release date of 1^st February 2024. Incidentally, this date is close to the release of Dune: Part Two in cinemas on 15^th March 2024.

The new set has some wonderful detail on the iconic House Atreides aircraft, meticulously detailed using LEGO bricks and elements, including the folding insect-style wings and grey fuselage. The set also contains eight LEGO minifigures, all of which will be coveted by collectors, especially the golden-robed Lady Jessica, the armoured Gurney Halleck, and the tall, floating Baron Harkonnen (which must be one of the most unique minifigures ever devised).

Paul contemplates leaving his home planet. From 2021’s Dune.

LEGO Vehicles, Characters and Locations We Want to See from the Dune Series

The rich world of Dune unfolds in a universe where noble houses vie for control of Arrakis, a desert planet rich in the coveted spice melange. The story follows young Paul Atreides, heir to House Atreides, as he navigates political intrigue, betrayal, prophetic visions, and meetings with the desert-dwelling Fremen. Often billed as “Star Wars for adults”, the story is a stunning saga of ambition, survival, and the human condition.

With such a varied world to draw from, it is fun to speculate on what Dune LEGO sets could be released in future…

Paul confronts a sandworm. From 2021’s Dune.

Sandworm

One of the most awe-inspiring scenes from Dune author Frank Herbert’s imagination was Paul’s first encounter with the giant sandworms, the Shai-Hulud.

Steeped in mystery, these legendary creatures stalk the desert sand seas of Arrakis, ensuring a tough time for those seeking to collect the coveted spice that hovers above the sand. Gargantuan in size, these extraterrestrial creatures would pose an exciting challenge for the LEGO design team to tackle.

Throne room fan art by Deviantart user MarcSimonetti.

Selamlik (Imperial Throne Room)

One noted character missing from the first Dune movie was Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV, overseer of the galaxy. Veteran actor Christopher Walken will take on this essential role in the sequel, and we’re sure he can be relied upon to lend the role the authority and variability it requires.

The enormous Selamlik hall housed the emperor’s throne, and it will be exciting to see how this location is presented in the sequel and whether LEGO will produce a diorama set with a new roster of minifigures.

Duke Leo Atreides. From 2021’s Dune.

Caladan

The ocean planet of Caladan features briefly at the start of the Dune movie, most notably in a stylishly choreographed scene where the representatives of Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV visit Duke Leto Atreides and his royal entourage. The visitors inform the Duke that he has been selected to replace Baron Vladimir Harkonnen as the fief holder of Arrakis, though little does he know that he is being set up for betrayal.

The scene features notable characters from both sides wearing formal garb, which could translate to some innovative LEGO Minifigure options.

Starship over Arakkis. From 2021’s Dune.

Guild Highliner Starship

We’ve seen some considerable starship sets from the Star Wars universe released over the years, though they could all be dwarfed by this colossal cruiser from Dune. The spherical shape and minimalist design could make it an interesting choice for a LEGO model.

The shield wall. From 2021’s Dune.

Arrakeen

The capital city of Arrakis was presented in beautifully Geiger-esque fashion in the movie, with plenty of eye-catching buildings that would present neatly in brick-built form. Set on a large mass of bedrock, the city appears to be carved from chunks of stone, surrounded by the heavily fortified shield wall to protect it from sandworms.

The city also featured in the action-packed conclusion to the first film, when the Harkonnen forces launch a surprise attack on the Atreides.

Which Dune locations, characters or ships would you like to see LEGO release in future? Let us know in the comments.