Dune Scholar
@dunescholar.com
Scholar of Frank Herbert's science fiction series Dune and related media. Author of Adaptations of Dune, Dune: A Critical Companion, and Women's Agency in the Dune Universe. Website: https://dunescholar.com
My latest article "Dune's Discomfort with Religion" is up on the American Philosophical Association's site. I look again at the way the new Dune films distort the portrayal of key characters and concepts from the book. Find it here: blog.apaonline.org/2026/02/26/d...
I'm honored to have my article "Spice and Ecology in Herbert's Dune" translated into Serbian by Nikola Matić for the 2025 Književna fantastika publication dedicated to Frank Herbert and Dune: kontrastizdavastvo.rs/knjige/knjig...
Don't miss this new article analyzing ethnicity in the Dune films from Dr. Francesc Morales 💡 dunenewsnet.com/2025/09/ethn...
The Role of Ethnic Diversity in Villeneuve’s Dune
How does director Denis Villeneuve use cultural elements, like bagpipes and martial arts, in his ‘Dune’ movies to frame House Atreides as morally sympathetic?
dunenewsnet.com
How have the Fremen in Dune adapted to desert life, used animals and spice, and developed skills in tech and science? Check out Part 2 of my series exploring the Fremen at DuneNewsNet: dunenewsnet.com/2025/03/disc...
Discovering the Fremen: ‘Dune’s Ecologists
We look at how the Fremen have adapted to desert life, how they use animals and spice, and what skills they have developed in technology and science.
dunenewsnet.com
Looking forward to using my new painted sandworms in the Dune: Imperium Uprising board game. 😎
I'm excited to be giving a talk at Auckland Libraries on Frank Herbert's Dune as a special feature in their Other Worlds exhibition of science fiction materials. 📚 ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2025/...
Other Worlds: Building the World of Dune
Dr Kara Kennedy explores what makes Dune and its characters believable and relatable and how Herbert avoided the clichés that made other science fiction obsolete.
ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Don't miss the Dune Talk podcast on Dune: Prophecy as we review what we thought of the new TV show and how it relates to the larger Dune universe:
DUNE TALK: ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Season 1 Discussion
Podcast: We discuss the first season of HBO’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’ TV series, including favorite moments and criticisms. Plus speculation
dunenewsnet.com
A satisfying finale to Dune: Prophecy Season 1 with numerous elements of #Dune, including the theme of mind vs. body. Check out my review! dunenewsnet.com/2024/12/dune...
Review – ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 6
Valya and Tula Harkonnen reckon with the truth of Desmond’s identity, amidst deadly confrontations, in the season finale of HBO’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’ TV series.
dunenewsnet.com
Dune fans reflect on what we like about Lynch’s film: dunenewsnet.com/2024/12/lync...
Lynch’s ‘Dune’ 40th Anniversary - Fan Perspective
With 2024 marking 40 years since the premiere of David Lynch’s ‘Dune’, members of the community look back at the best that this movie (still) has to offer.
dunenewsnet.com
It's the penultimate episode of Dune: Prophecy and characters are being pulled in all directions. Check out my review: dunenewsnet.com/2024/12/dune...
Review – ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 5
Heirs of Houses Corrino and Harkonnen reckon with dual loyalties in the fifth episode of HBO’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’ TV series. Tula tries to hide an abomination…
dunenewsnet.com
Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 centers around the theme of vulnerability, from the main characters down to the acolytes. Check out my review: dunenewsnet.com/2024/12/dune...
Review – ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 4
Valya Harkonnen and Desmond Hart show vulnerabilities in HBO’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’ episode 4. The Inner workings of the Imperium’s Landsraad council are revealed.
dunenewsnet.com
Review of my first book: “Overall, this is a closely argued, well-supported study that highlights the strength in the Bene Gesserit sisterhood throughout the six-book series.”
Ancillary Review of Books@ancillaryreviewofbooks.org · 2y agoShe Will Have Acted Well: Don Riggs reviews Kara Kennedy's WOMEN'S AGENCY IN THE DUNE UNIVERSE (Palgrave) ancillaryreviewofbooks.org/2024/12/09/s...
Episode 3 of Dune: Prophecy slows down for flash-back backstories. Check out my review: dunenewsnet.com/2024/12/dune... #Dune #DuneProphecy
Review - ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 3
Flashbacks in HBO’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’ episode 3 reveal darkness in the Harkonnen sisters’ pasts and explore their House’s bitter feud with the Atreides.
dunenewsnet.com
We're getting a fuller picture of the Sisterhood in Episode 2 of Dune: Prophecy. Check out my review: dunenewsnet.com/2024/11/dune... #Dune #DuneProphecy #BeneGesserit
Review - ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 2
‘Dune: Prophecy’s second episode explores the Sisterhood’s mystical side and features a tense encounter between Valya Harkonnen and Desmond Hart.
dunenewsnet.com
Don't miss my reviews of the new Dune: Prophecy series and how they're depicting the Sisterhood! 🕵️♀️ #BeneGesserit dunenewsnet.com/2024/11/dune...
Review - ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 1
HBO’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’ premiere takes the time to establish its players. A new threat to the Sisterhood rises, while House Corrino prepares for a royal wedding.
dunenewsnet.com
