Duncan Two: James Watson

When a new Dune miniseries was announced, I looked forward to the (re-)casting of Duncan Idaho. The challenge in taking on the role of Idaho is that it is really not much of a role. In the first book of the series (so first miniseries), it would amount to little more than a cameo. The upside, of course, is that were it a hit worthy of a sequel, the role would grow considerably in any potential sequels.

Little many of the actors cast in the new Dune (2000) miniseries, producers went with an unknown. Scottish actor James Watson (pictured to the left)was cast as swordsman Duncan Idaho. Oddly, the one major scene Idaho does have in the novel, during which he sacrifces himself to save Paul Atriedes, was re written. No longer does Idaho die a heros death, going down fighting, but instead is "shot" by a short range missle(!).

A genuine success when broadcast on the SciFi Network, a second miniseries which would combine story elements from both Dune Messiah and Children of Dune was announced shortly after the mini's first airing. Unfortunately, James' career as the Ginaz Swordsman was not ment to last, as the role was recast for the follow-up miniseries.

"I give you the desert chameleon, whose ability to blend itself into the background tells you all you need to know about the roots of ecology and the foundation of a personal identity."-Book of Diatribes, from the Hayt Chronicle