The world ofDuneis ruled by several noble Houses, all of which are distinct from each other in terms of culture. Each one controls specific regions and planets. The world ofDuneheavily emphasizes politics, with each of the houses always struggling to be the ones in power.
Not all houses are equally powerful, and one that holds more power than others is House Corrino. As the ruling house of the Imperium, it’s no wonder that they are so important. Although not explicitly featured in Denis Villaneuve’s firstDunemovie, House Corrino is featured as a playable factionDune: Spice Wars,a recent strategy game based in theDuneuniverse. They also play an important role in Frank Herbert’s novels. What role does House Corrino play in the world ofDune,and will they appear in the upcomingDune: Part 2?
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Brief History Of House Corrino
Shaddam Corrino IV has been the Emperor of the Imperium sinceFrank Herbert’s firstDunenovel. House Corrino was the strongest house in the Imperium, protected by their elite military force called the Sardaukar. However, House Corrino’s rise to power was a long struggle. They began as a much weaker houseon a small planet known asSalusa Secundus.
The Battle of Corrin (which occurred 10,000 years before the events of the first book) was one of the most important events in theDuneuniverse. The battle marked the end of Butlerian Jihad, which was thebattle of humanity against AI and Robots. It was this war that gave birth to House Corrino. They trace their bloodlines to a noble family with the name of Corrino as well as the descendants of Xavier Harkonnen, one of the major military leaders from the Harkonnen family in the Battle of Corrin.
House Corrino’s ascend to power was a series of political maneuvering and alliances. After they rose to power, Planet Kaitin became their home. They continued to rise in power, and eventually became the ruling House of the Imperium.
House Corrino In Dune: Spice Wars
2023’sDune: Spice Warsis the first everDunevideo game. It features House Corrino asone of the four playable factions. Led by Shaddam Corrino IV, House Corrino is a wealthy faction that has immense political power. As the house of the Emperor, House Corrino collects wealth from the rest of the houses, including House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and the Smugglers. The growth of House Corrino is a bit sluggish compared to other factions, but is a steady, focusing more on staying power and the economy.
House Corinno’s Role In The Villaneuve Dune Movies
Although they are not shown onscreen, most ofDune: Part 1’s plot revolves around House Corinno. With the power of House Atreides rising, Emperor Shaddam Corrino hands over Arrakis to Duke Leto Atreides. This was surprising, considering that House Harkonnen had ruled Arrakis for years, and the move would provide an opportunity for the thriving House Atreides to gain more power. However, when the Duke and his army land on Planet Arrakis, they are infiltrated by House Harkonnen with the assistance of the Emperor’s army Sardaukar.
The Emperor himself conspired with House Harkonnen to take down House Atreides, betraying House Atreides out of insecurity over Duke Leto Atreides' growing power. However, this backstabbing plays a major role in Paul Atreides' growth as a character. Ultimately, itsends him down a paththat will fulfill the prophecy as the chosen one.
Dune; Part 1ended on a cliffhanger, with Paul joining the Fremen and finally meeting Chani, a Fremen woman he had seen in his dreams.Dune: Part 2will continue Paul Atreides’ story, showing him reclaiming House Atreides' name. The upcoming second film will heavily focus on House Corrino, especially on one of the Emperor’s four daughters. The Emperor’s wife Anirul was toldby the Benne Gesserit, a secret organization that secretly controls the power throughout the Dune universe, not to give birth to a son but instead to only daughters.
Both Anirul and Lady Jessica were members of the Bene Gesserit (also known as the Sisterhood), but Lady Jessica went against her orders to bear only girls. This led to the birth of Paul, who is said to be the Chosen One. While the Emperor has several daughters, the most prominent among them is Princess Irulan, the eldest daughter. The Emperor expected Princess Irulan to become Empress or marry a political ally to retain the Emperor’s title in the family.
Florence Pugh is set to play Princess Irulan inDune: Part 2andpotentially more sequels in the future. In the books, Paul ends up marrying Princess Irulan as an alliance between House Atreides and House Corrino. Irulan and Paul’s marriage was in name only, as the House Atreides Duke was still very much in love with Chani. The complexities of their relationship, and what it means for the Imperium, could potentially be explored in Villaneuve’s highly anticipated sequel.
Dune: Part 2is expected to release on June 29, 2025.
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