Leto II Atreides has a somewhat unusual story in “Dune” compared to many other characters. Fans of the novels will likely be very familiar with the name, as it belongs to Paul Atreides’ son and heir, who controversially serves as God-Emperor for thousands of years following the deaths of Paul and Alia. However, the sandworm hybrid doesn’t feature in the story until “Dune Messiah.” The character we are dealing with here is the first figure to bear the name, sometimes called Leto II the Elder.
Like his later namesake, this Leto II is the son of Paul and Chani and is named in honor of his grandfather, Leto Atreides I. Unfortunately, he is murdered while still an infant by Sardaukar forces when they attack the location where he is hidden. While he only briefly appears in the novel before his death, this event provides further motivation for Paul to overthrow the Emperor.
It isn’t the first time Leto II has been absent from a film adaptation. He is omitted from David Lynch’s version, although he has a minor part in the Syfy miniseries. His lack of appearance is probably due to his lack of importance to the overall story. Additionally, Denis Villenuve’s movies have a truncated timeline, bypassing Paul and Chani having a child.
