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In the realm of science fiction, “Dune” and “Star Wars” stand as towering giants. “Dune,” penned by Frank Herbert in the 1960s, laid the groundwork with its expansive universe across six books. A decade later, George Lucas introduced audiences to “Star Wars” in the 1970s. The striking similarities between the two have sparked conversations, with even Herbert himself noting the parallels.
20th Century Studios
Before the 1977 premiere of “Star Wars,” Herbert was asked about the film’s resemblance to his work and any potential for legal action. He candidly told The Daily News, “I will try hard not to sue.” Although unsure which book was mirrored, he suspected “Dune” due to the presence of a Princess Alia in his story and a Princess Leia in “Star Wars,” alongside desert-dwelling themes and sandworms. Lucas, however, maintained the only link was the desert setting.
Before the release of “Star Wars” in 1977, Herbert was approached for comment about the film’s similarities to his book, and if there was room for a lawsuit. “I will try hard not to sue,” he told The Daily News. “I have no idea what book of mine it fits, but I suspect it may be ‘Dune’ since in that I had a Princess Alia and the movie has a Princess Leia. And I hear there is a sandworm caucus and hooded dwellers in the desert, just like in ‘Dune.’” Lucas claimed the only similarity between the properties is the presence of a desert in “Star Wars.”
The debate over whether Lucas borrowed from “Dune” for “Star Wars” has persisted for decades, fueled by passionate fan discussions. While it’s undeniable that Herbert’s work influenced the iconic space saga, the extent of its impact remains a topic of debate among enthusiasts.
In 2020, cinematographer Greig Fraser, who has worked on both “Rogue One” and “The Mandalorian,” as well as “Dune” and its sequel, shared insights on navigating these two legendary franchises. Discussing the similarities, Fraser told Collider, “I’m positive George Lucas was inspired by ‘Dune’ when he made ‘Star Wars.’” He emphasized the challenge of avoiding repeated imagery, especially with desert scenes, across both projects.
Cinematographer Greig Fraser acknowledged similarities between Star Wars and Dune
Warner Bros. Pictures
Ultimately, whether “Star Wars” borrowed from “Dune” is a decision left to the fans. Regardless of the debate, what remains undisputed is that both are celebrated as some of the finest sci-fi films ever made.
In 2020, cinematographer Greig Fraser — who worked on “Rogue One,” “The Mandalorian,” “Dune,” and “Dune: Part Two” — spoke about working on both franchises, as well as how he actively avoided repeating the same shots, especially when it came to the deserts. “I mean, listen, ultimately, I’m positive George Lucas was inspired by ‘Dune’ when he made ‘Star Wars,’” Fraser told Collider. “I don’t know if that’s sacrilegious to talk about, but there are a lot of similarities in some areas, so you could tell he was definitely influenced by that. So I had to be careful doing both [‘Dune’ and ‘The Mandalorian’] and not to repeat myself.”
So, did “Star Wars” copy “Dune”? That’s up to the fans to decide. Whether it did or not, though, everyone can agree they’re some of the best sci-fi movies of all time.
