20 key differences between Denis Villeneuve's Dune Universe and Frank Herbert's novels 

12) Mentats’ Importance

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Mentats like Thufir Hawat and Piter De Vries are integral in the book, acting as human supercomputers who shape much of the political intrigue. The films severely marginalize their roles, underexploring their unique abilities and importance to their respective houses. Thufir’s cunning loyalty and Piter’s twisted brilliance are key to understanding the scheming behind the Harkonnen and Atreides conflict. Their diminished presence in the films simplifies the plot but removes a layer of intellectual complexity, making the political battles feel more straightforward and less reflective of Herbert’s intricate world-building.

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