Summary
One could probably write a book on all the things that influencedStar Wars, maybe even two or three. The franchise was always built on the Hero’s Journey, a model coined by Joseph Conrad that was itself based on thousands of years of literary tradition. We can see plenty of influences from classical Hollywood, particularly westerns and old WWII movies. There are elements of Japanese Samurai films, especially those of Akira Kurosawa. We can also see traces of old serials and earlier science fiction. There is a bit ofFlash GordonandStar Trek. There are even pieces of actual history thrown in, such as the way the Empire is not-so-subtly based on the Nazi regime, to the point where their soldiers became known as “stormtroopers.” But one particular source of inspiration stands out. There is one iconic sci-fi book that was clearly a massive influence onStar Wars.
Frank Herbert’sDunewas first published in 1965, and ended up helping to shape what would become known as the “space opera.” A lot of modern science fiction can be traced back toDunein some way, but few show its impact quite as clearly asStar Wars. They do have some notable differences.Herbert was more interested in moral ambiguitycompared toStar Wars' themes of light and dark, but we can still see some pretty close similarities. Even the overall plot is similar, with both centering around a hero leading a rebellion against an oppressive empire. There are a lot of details from the book’s complex universe that have managed to find their way intoStar Wars.
5A Desert Planet
One Of Star Wars' Most Iconic Settings Looks Noticeably Familiar
As expansive as theStar WarsGalaxy has become, one particular world continues to hold a special place of significance:a desert planet called Tatooine.This is easily the most recognizable planet in the franchise; six out of nine films in the main saga have at least one scene on tTatooine. While George Lucas certainly created something unique, the idea of a planet that was one big desert was hardly an original idea at the time. As if the nameDunewasn’t clear enough, Frank Herbert’s novels featured a desert world as their central focus.
However, there is another major parallel. Tatooine was literally the first settingStar Warsfans were introduced to, and famously the location where Luke began his hero’s journey.The desert world Arrakis played a very similar role for Paul Atreides, who also experienced his own journey that would see him taking on an authoritarian regime, and began, in large part, on Arrakis.
4The Bene Gesserit
Herbert Laid The Groundwork For Star Wars' Key Factions
One of the more peculiar aspects ofDuneis the secretive order known as theBene Gesserit.This was an ancient religious organization made up of women trained in superhuman abilities, which included heightened senses and mastery of The Voice. They had two main goals: aquire power at any cost, and to act as guardians for humanity. Put simply, they held a fundamentalist “the ends justify the means” mentality towards what they saw as a greater good, and used power as a means to exert their will.
If this sounds familiar, it might be becauseStar Warshas its own version, or, more accurately, it breaks the Bene Gesserit into two main factions. The idea of them trying to act as guardians for humanityis similar to the intended position of theJedi Order, while the “power at any cost” mentality calls to mind the philosophy of theSith. George Lucas may have taken out the gendered aspect, but the basic idea remains.
3Spice Mining
Star WarsHas Its Own Melange
At the start ofA New Hopeviewers get introduced to the desert planet Tattooine, but they also get one particularly interesting line. While theTantive IVis boarded by Stormtroopers, C-3PO tells R2-D2 that “we’ll be sent to the spice mines of Kessel.” Interesting that George Lucas felt the need for C-3PO to specify that Kessel was home tospicemines.Spice isn’t usually mined, it’s usually grown and harvested from plants. Except on Arrakis, of course.
Sure enough, Kessel’s spice mining would be explored in later material, and even become a major plot point duringSolo: A Star Wars Story. The original line may well have been nothing more than an inside joke, but it clearly shows that Lucas was thinking ofDunewhen writingStar Wars. Interestingly, spice mininghas actually become a big part of theStar Warscanon, with several types mined on different worlds. Even the use of the word “spice” is reminiscent of Herbert’s book, where it is shown to be referring more to a drug than regular seasoning.
2The Voice
Star Wars Isn’t The Only Story To Dabble In Mysticism
From the beginning, there was one thing that easily setStar Warsapart from other sci-fi movies. When fans met Obi-Wan Kenobi, they were introduced to the concept of"the Force,“a supernatural aspect of the universe that became central to the franchise. There was never really an equivalent inStar Trekor other popular space operas of the time. However, it was far from the first to experiment in mixing a sci-fi futuristic setting with fantasy elements.Dunealso had its own supernatural phenomenon that gave its users strange powers:The Voice.
This was a power wielded by specific people who could use it as a means of control, very similar to a Jedi Mind Trick. Furthermore, the inclusion of spirituality among the Fremenand an ambiguous prophecythat may or may not cast Paul as a “chosen one” further contribute to the idea that there is a greater force at play in the workings of the conflict on Arrakis.
1Used Future
This Visual Style Is Older Than People Think
The"used future"aestheticis one that’s often credited for being popularized in the 70s,particularly byStar WarsandAlien, but it may actually be older than that. Sure,the powerful Great HousesofDunemight have clean, shiny technology, especially the Harkonens (who no doubt got it through exploitation), but even House Atreides can feel weathered at times. The carryalls and harvesters actually used for spice mining are clearly designed to look like they’ve seen extensive use in the sand.
This is especially true for the Fremen, due to their portrayal as a nomadic desert people who have to work with limited resources. Their stillsuits have clearly seen better days, and that’s often complimented with articles of clothing designed to aid with desert survival. The technology they do have is often older and visibly rusted.
