I asked ChatGPT to cast a hypothetical Dune film adaptation made in 1969 with actors available at the time.
It made the casting choices below, which I then used in Midjourney to create images from the hypothetical film. I hope you enjoy!
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Paul Atreides: The protagonist of the novel, a young man who comes into his own power and destiny in the harsh world of Dune. A young and rising actor like Leonard Whiting, who had just portrayed Romeo in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,“ could be a good fit for the role.
Lady Jessica: Paul’s mother, a member of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. An actress like Vanessa Redgrave, with her intensity and depth, could play this role well.
Duke Leto Atreides: Paul’s father, a noble and well-loved leader. Gregory Peck, known for his strong and principled characters, would be a good fit.
Thufir Hawat: The Atreides family’s Mentat, or human computer, and master of assassins. Richard Burton, with his gravitas, would be suitable for this role.
Gurney Halleck: A loyal Atreides soldier and Paul’s mentor. Sean Connery, who had recently finished his stint as James Bond, could provide the necessary charm and physicality.
Duncan Idaho: Another loyal Atreides soldier and Paul’s mentor. A young Harrison Ford, who was just starting his career, could bring an adventurous spirit to the role.
Chani: A Fremen woman and Paul’s love interest. A young Ali MacGraw, who had just starred in “Goodbye, Columbus,“ could provide the necessary combination of strength and sensitivity.
Stilgar: The leader of the Fremen, the native people of Dune. Yul Brynner, known for his roles in epic films like “The Ten Commandments“ and “The Magnificent Seven,“ could bring a sense of authority and authenticity to the role.
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen: The main antagonist, a cruel and cunning man. Orson Welles, known for his larger-than-life persona and dramatic weight, could bring the Baron to life.
Glossu Rabban: The brutal nephew of Baron Harkonnen, known as “The Beast Rabban.“ An actor like Oliver Reed, known for his rough-and-tumble roles, would be suitable.
Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen: The Baron’s favored nephew, a dangerous and ambitious young man. A young Malcolm McDowell, fresh from “If....“ and before “A Clockwork Orange,“ could bring the necessary intensity to the role.
Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam: A powerful Bene Gesserit witch and Paul’s adversary. Katherine Hepburn, with her ability to portray strong, complex women, would be an excellent choice.
Emperor Shaddam IV: The emperor of the known universe who schemes and manipulates behind the scenes. A distinguished actor like Laurence Olivier could bring gravitas to the role.
Princess Irulan: The daughter of the emperor, who becomes involved in the political machinations surrounding Paul. Mia Farrow, with her ethereal beauty and expressive eyes, could portray the princess well.