Alia Atreides is one of the biggest characters that appears in Dune: Part Two, and here is everything there is to know about her including her book role and powers, explained. Dune: Part Two expands the Dune universe even further than Denis Villeneuve’s first film from 2021, with it continuing to adapt Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi story for the big screen. Alia Atreides’ addition to Dune: Part Two was one of the most exciting aspects of the film, causing a lot of viewers to want to know more about her.

Dune: Part Two is finally here, with the highly-anticipated 2024 Dune sequel now released on Max. While 2021’s Dune was critically acclaimed, it mostly focused on setting up the world of the novel, with much of the payoff coming in Dune: Part Two. Several new characters and actors appear in the film, with the cast of Dune: Part Two shaping up to be studded with stars of all kinds. Despite the marketing campaign being oddly quiet about Alia Atreides, everyone knew she was coming, and here’s everything that there is to know about her.

Alia Atreides Is Paul’s Younger Sister

But She Has All Kinds Of Power

In the universe of Dune, Alia Atreides is Paul Atreides’ younger sister, with her playing a major role in his life. Paul has been left fatherless after the events of the first Dune film, making another Atreides sibling seem unlikely. However, the books reveal that Lady Jessica discovers that she is pregnant with Leto’s child after his death, with Alia being born sometime during the events that Dune: Part Two covered. Alia Atreides is Paul’s only sibling in the Dune novels, and while she didn’t have any influence on the first film, she is a major player in Dune: Part Two.

At the time of the events that are covered in Dune: Part Two, Alia Atreides isn’t born yet. In the books, however, she is raised among the Fremen while the gang is living among them, meaning that Alia has an incredibly different upbringing compared to the rest of her family. Despite her youth, Alia’s mysterious powers and abilities quickly come to light, leading her to become one of the weirdest but most powerful characters in the Dune franchise. As it turns out, Paul’s sister grows up to have a major impact on the universe.

Alia Atreides’ Role In Dune 2 Explained

Here’s What She Does In The Sequel

Alia Atredies plays a major role in the narrative of Dune: Part Two, and here’s how she influences the story. As a young child, it is revealed that Alia is what is known as an Abomination, a type of child that is born after the mother undergoes spice agony. The Bene Gesserit typically kill Abominations, but Lady Jessica gives birth to Alia, granting her all kinds of mysterious powers. Throughout the story of Dune, Alia begins to understand and control her powers, with her special abilities being the subject of much discussion among the Fremen and other communities.

As Alia gets older, she plays a much bigger role in the story. Alia is kidnapped in a Sardakur raid, with her nearly dying. At the age of four, however, she manages to escape with her pricking Baron Harkonnen with a poisoned gom jabbar on the way out, revealing that he is her grandfather. She learns to use her telepathic abilities to communicate with Paul’s mind, showing just how much her powers have grown. Alia goes on to play an even bigger role in the Dune sequel novels, which will be the subject of Dune 3.

Anya Taylor-Joy Plays Alia Atreides In Dune 2

Which Was A Huge Surprise

Alia Atreides’ voice is heard throughout Dune: Part Two, but she is actually seen for one brief scene. This version of Alia is much older, and to the surprise of many viewers, she is actually played by Anya Taylor-Joy in Dune: Part Two. This sets up the exciting possibility that Anya Taylor-Joy could come back to reprise her role as Alia in future movies as the character’s role gets more significant, although her time as a young child would also have to be seen before then.

Alia Atreides’ Powers In Dune 2 Explained

What Can She Do?

Due to her role as an Abomination, Alia Atreides has all kinds of powers and abilities that other Dune characters aren’t able to utilize. Due to the unique conditions of her birth, Alia is able to use the full powers of a Bene Gesserit and Reverend Mother at a very young age, showing just how influential she is. Alia is also able to access the thoughts and memories of all of her previous ancestors, giving her a massive knowledge base. Alia’s powers give her the upper hand in many situations throughout Dune, with her being one of the franchise’s most powerful characters.

One of Alia’s most useful powers is the ability to communicate with others through their minds. Alia is able to project thoughts and images into the heads of almost anyone, with this signature ability being commonly used in Dune. Alia’s prescience isn’t described as telepathy, with it seeming more like she is actually in their heads, as if she was one of their ancestors. Although she is a child, Alia’s abilities in Dune: Part Two make her a powerful combatant and dangerous foe that is able to seriously help her cause.

Will Anya Taylor-Joy Return As Alia Atreides In Dune 3?

It Has Already Been Confirmed

Since Anya Taylor-Joy made her debut as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Two, many viewers are wondering if the actress will reprise her role in the third Dune movie. As it turns out, Denis Villeneuve has already confirmed that Anya Taylor-Joy will return in the future of the Dune franchise, and since the Dune: Messiah adaptation is the only film currently in development, this means that she will very likely turn up there. Taylor-Joy’s return in Dune: Part Three is one of the most exciting parts of the film, finally allowing her to shine as Alia Atreides.

What Happens To Alia Atreides In The Dune Books

She Plays A Big Role

In the Dune books, one of Alia’s first big actions is poisoning Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, although this won’t be happening in the movies since he already died in Dune: Part Two. Later, after the death of Paul Atreides, Alia becomes the Regent of the Atreides Empire. However, she quickly uses her power for evil, establishing a cult of personality and later becoming the full Abomination. When she falls into full Abomination, she is used by Baron Harkonnen to reestablish his power, meaning that there is still a lot to cover after the events of Dune: Part Two.