Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Dune: Part Two and Dune: Messiah.

Summary

• Emperor Corrino IV views House Atreides as a major threat.
• The Bene Gesserit's role in shaping the Emperor's hatred.
• Paul Atreides becomes the Emperor after the events of Dune 2.

The Padishah Emperor in 2021's Dune's 20,000-year timeline. The events in Denis Villeneuve's Dune occur at the end of this timeline, while House Corrino's rule began in the middle — around 10,000 years in the future, which in the books is 1 A.G. (After Guild).

In Dune, Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV is under pressure to maintain House Corrino's 10,000-year rule, which contributes to his rash decisions throughout the franchise. Although the Emperor doesn't physically appear in the 2021 epic science fiction film, he is discussed by several characters, ultimately revealing his role in the movie's plot. Based on the events and ending of Dune, the Emperor has several reasons for hating House Atreides, like in the books.

The Emperor Sees House Atreides As His Biggest Threat In Dune

The Emperor Sends House Harkonnen To Annihilate House Atreides

Dune's House Atreides is the most likely noble house to threaten the 10,000-year legacy of House Corrino. The Atreides are well-respected throughout the Known Universe and have good relations with most other great houses apart from the Harkonnens, threatening the Emperor's iron-fisted rule over the Imperium. It's also well known that House Atreides' military forces are equal in skill, and in some cases, even superior to the Sardaukar, House Corrino's army. However, the Atreides' forces are nowhere near the size of the Sardaukar, presenting a strategic opportunity for the Emperor to take out a potentially superior military force.

The Bene Gesserit are partly responsible for Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV's hatred of House Atreides in the Dune franchise.

In comparison, while House Harkonnen's sheer wealth rivals even the Emperor's, their military poses no threat to House Corrino, and their reputation for brutality makes them hated by the other great houses. It's not that the Emperor hates the Atreides in Dune and prefers the Harkonnens. Both houses threaten House Corrino's rule in their own ways. House Atreides was just a much bigger threat to the Emperor than House Harkonnen.

The Bene Gesserit's Role In The Emperor Hating House Atreides

Lady Jessica's Actions Have Consequences

The Bene Gesserit also play a hand in sealing the fate of House Atreides. After Duke Leto Atreides is no longer of use to them.

The 2024 Max science fiction television series Dune: Prophecy centers around the origins of the Bene Gesserit, serving as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve's Dune and Dune: Part Two.

Meanwhile, Leto's advisor, the Mentat Thufir Hawat, is a threat to the secrecy of the sisterhood's plans. It is in the Bene Gesserit's best interests to feed the Emperor's fears about House Atreides, which they do through the Imperial Truthsayer – the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. Consequently, the Bene Gesserit are partly responsible for Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV's hatred of House Atreides in the Dune franchise.

The Emperor's Plan For House Atreides Backfires In Dune 2

Christopher Walken Stars As The Emperor In Dune 2

Even though Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV is successful in committing mass genocide against House Atreides in Dune, the survivors make sure that he will ultimately fail by the end of Dune: Part Two. Throughout the 2023 epic science fiction film, Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, learns the ways of the Fremen and undergoes training that seemingly prepares him to face off against the Emperor (or rather his soldiers) to end his rule of the Known Universe.

The third installment in the Dune franchise might feature Paul's visions of a Holy War coming true following Timothée Chalamet's character ordering the Fremen to attack the Great Houses' fleet on Arrakis (after they refused to accept his ascension to the throne).

Toward Dune: Part Two's conclusion, Paul challenges Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV for his throne (and his daughter Princess Irulan's hand). Christopher Walken's character chooses Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen to represent him in the final fight of Dune: Part Two. After an intense battle, Paul stabs and kills Feyd-Rautha, and the Emperor makes good on his deal.

Paul Atreides Is The New Emperor After Dune 2- What That Means

Paul Wins The Throne After Killing Feyd-Rautha

Following his win at the end of Dune: Part Two, Paul is now the Emperor of the Known Universe, and his story will continue in Dune: Messiah. The third installment in the Dune franchise might feature Paul's visions of a Holy War coming true following Timothée Chalamet's character ordering the Fremen to attack the Great Houses' fleet on Arrakis (after they refused to accept his ascension to the throne). The first two films in the series essentially serve as a build-up to the Holy War, which lasts 12 years in the books and results in the suffering of billions.

Although Paul wins the throne after killing Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two, he doesn't kill Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV as Princess Irulan convinces him not to, under the condition that she will marry Paul.

The bloody war occurs between the events of Dune and Dune: Messiah, though. So, only time will tell how Denis Villeneuve adapts this significant story development in the third movie, which might just pick up after the events of the Holy War. Ultimately, Paul comes out on top after the Holy War in Dune and retains his role as the Emperor of the Known Universe, and afterward, his struggles become more mental as his visions continue to plague him.

What Happens To Emperor Shaddam IV After Dune 2

The Emperor Doesn't Die At The End Of Dune 2

Although Paul wins the throne after killing what happens to the Emperor after Dune: Part Two. According to the books, the former Emperor is exiled to Salusa Secundus, a prison and allegedly a breeding ground for the Sardaukar, following the events of the second movie. If the third Dune film follows the books, Christopher Walken likely won't reprise his role.

Dune: Part Two is available to rent or buy on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu, and more.