Gurney Halleck/2021 film

Gurney Halleck
Political Information
Titles	Warmaster of House Atreides
Great House	House Atreides
Physical Characteristics
Eyes	Light Brown
Hair	Dark Brown
Height	5ft 9 ½ inches (178 cm)
Behind the Scenes
First appearance	Dune (2021 film)
Portrayed by	Josh Brolin

Gurney Halleck is a character in the 2021 film Dune. He is a Warmaster in service of Duke Leto of House Atreides, and he trains the Duke's son Paul. Gurney Halleck is portrayed by Josh Brolin.

Character description

A defiant warrior with the soul of a poet, Gurney Halleck has watched over Paul Atreides since he was born. Although he would never say it aloud, he loves Paul as though he were his own son. As the Duke’s Warmaster, Gurney Halleck has been forged in battle, and will do whatever it takes to protect House Atreides — a people as dear to him as the family he lost to the Harkonnens.

History

Training Paul for Arrakis

Halleck briefly takes over the role of Duncan Idaho as Paul's trainer following the latter's departure to Arrakis. The two briefly practice duelling only days before Paul's departure to Arrakis, in which Halleck warns Paul about the dangers of letting his guard down, especially on a new and unfamiliar planet such as Arrakis. Eventually the duel between the two ends in a tie, and Halleck remarks that Paul would've killed him but died in the process.

On Arrakis

Little is shown about Halleck's time on Arrakis, but he is seen accompanying Paul, Leto, and Kynes on their tour of the spice harvesting operation. Halleck is among those who aids the crew of the harvester onto the ornithopter after the landing gear fails, but more importantly responsible for rescuing Paul from the desert when he becomes disorientated following the inhalation of spice.

Personality

Gurney is fiercely loyal to House Atreides and serves as a trusted advisor and mentor to Paul Atreides. He is proficient in various combat styles and is always ready to defend his house and its members. His dedication to Duke Leto and Paul is unwavering, showcasing his deep sense of duty and honor. As the weapons master for House Atreides, he is a skilled and experienced fighter.

Despite the harsh realities of his life, Gurney maintains a sense of humor and wit. This aspect of his personality provides a balance to his otherwise serious and intense demeanor. He is also a talented musician, known for playing the baliset, a stringed instrument. His musical abilities add depth to his character, showing a softer, more artistic side.

Having endured significant hardships, including being scarred by the Harkonnens, Gurney’s resilience and strength are evident. He is a survivor who continues to fight for what he believes in.

Differences from the original character

Gurney Halleck is adapted from the character of the same name from the original Dune novel.

Much like in the original novel, Gurney has a traumatic past as a prisoner of the Harkonnens (including a distinct scar on the left side of his face). This is something he stresses rather furiously to Paul, stating emphatically "You've never met Harkonnens before. They're not human, they're brutal !". However, Gurney's deceased sister is not alluded to.

The film's Gurney is also somewhat more serious and stern than his book counterpart, who was known to be fairly cheerful around Paul, though still a strict mentor. (An early scene pokes fun at Gurney's seriousness, when duke Leto encourages him to smile just a tiny bit during the meeting with the imperial delegation. Gurney replies he is smiling, while his expression remains neutral.) Gurney's dry sense of humour is still the same as in the novel, such as when he playfully points out Paul's potentially fatal mistake during their practice swordfight. He also punctuates his criticism with a "I see you've found the mood..." jab at Paul's reluctance to practice.

Gurney's profficiency with the baliset and his interest in music is alluded to (Paul suggesting a song), but not shown. A scene of Josh Brolin as Gurney playing the baliset was filmed but not used, and might become a deleted scene in future releases.

In the sequel, Gurney is reintroduced into the storyline during his downtime aboard a smuggler carryall. He's seen playing the baliset (likely his own), strumming a tune to a rather bitter song he made up about the tough life among his smuggler friends.

Trivia

• In the original books, Gurney is not only a skilled warrior but also a talented musician. He plays a nine-stringed guitar-like instrument called a baliset. This aspect of his character is hinted at in the film.
• In the books, Gurney has a notable scar from an inkvine whip, given to him by Rabban Harkonnen. This detail highlights his deep-seated hatred for the Harkonnens.
• Gurney is fiercely loyal to House Atreides and serves as a mentor and protector to Paul Atreides. His loyalty and dedication are central to his character.
• After the fall of House Atreides, Gurney becomes a spice smuggler in the desert. This aspect of his character showcases his resilience and resourcefulness.

Quotes

GURNEY HALLECK: 'With me! With Me!' - Atreides Fight Back but suffer extensive losses, DUNE 2021

Gallery

Gurney Halleck on Caladan, during the Herald of the Change ceremony granting the stewardship of Arrakis to House Atreides (Dune, 2021)

Duke Leto: "Smile, Gurney." Gurney: "I AM smiling." (Dune, 2021)

Gurney Halleck during the Herald of the Change ceremony on Caladan (Dune, 2021)

Gurney during sparring training with Paul at Castle Caladan (Dune, 2021)

Gurney reading a quote in his copy of the Orange Catholic Bible shortly before the arrival ceremony on Arrakis (Dune, 2021)

Gurney reading a quote in his copy of the Orange Catholic Bible shortly before the arrival ceremony on Arrakis (Dune, 2021)

Gurney Halleck and lieutenant Lanville with Atreides soldiers upon arrival to Arrakis (Dune, 2021)

Halleck inspecting troops and security measures shortly after arrival to Arrakis (Dune, 2021)

Gurney Halleck and Duke Leto observing the area from the balcony of the governor's palace in Arrakeen (Dune, 2021)

Gurney with the Atreides at the banquet in the governor's palace in Arrakeen (Dune, 2021, deleted scene, non-theatrical cut)

Gurney and Paul during ornithopter escape from the spice harvester under sandworm attack (Dune, 2021)

Gurney holding Paul from falling during ornithopter escape from the spice harvester under sandworm attack (Dune, 2021)

Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin) playing the baliset (Dune, 2021, non-theatrical cut)

Baliset at Gurney's bed in the palace barracks (Dune, 2021)

Gurney crossing swords with a Harkonnen soldier during the Harkonnen invasion of Arrakeen (Dune, 2021)

"With me !" Gurney rallying the Atreides troopers against the Harkonnen sneak attack (Dune, 2021)

Gurney, in a surly mood, strumming on his baliset aboard a smuggler spice harvester (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney, in a surly mood, strumming on his baliset aboard a smuggler spice harvester (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney checking spice field, scouting ahead of a smuggler harvester, armed with sword and lasgun (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney Halleck in his desert suit while working for smugglers (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney walking with sword drawn towards Fremen launching ambush on smugglers (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Gurney Halleck and Paul, now known as Muad'Dib (Dune: Part Two, 2024)

Promotional images

Gurney Halleck character poster for Dune (2021)

Gurney Halleck character poster for Dune: Part Two (2024)

Promo image for Dune: Part Two (2024) in Vanity Fair magazine