Director Denis Villeneuve’s first two Dune movies adapt the first novel in the series, and Dune: Part Three news confirms that he will adapt the second, Dune: Messiah. Though there are more than two dozen books that comprise the Dune franchise, only the first six were written by original author Frank Herbert. The first two novels center on the character of Paul Atreides (Timotheé Chalamet), the crux of Villeneuve’s story as well.

The Dune story has been adapted into movie and miniseries forms in the past, but Villeneuve's approach has turned the heady sci-fi/fantasy series into a bona fide Hollywood blockbuster. Dune: Part Two's impressive box office performance not only validates Villeneuve's vision for the franchise but also makes another film an absolute necessity. Dune: Part Three could be a fitting cap to the trilogy because it would allow the Paul Atreides storyline to run its course without running up against the stranger aspects of the Dune book series found in later installments.

Most Recent Dune: Part Three News

Robert Pattinson In Talks To Dune 3

If Pattinson does Dune 3, his casting would likely lead to more big stars ing the project.

In what could be the biggest news since the film was confirmed, the latest update reveals that Robert Pattinson is in talks to Dune 3. The Twilight and Mickey 17 star isn't officially signed on to the project yet, but it's rumored he's being eyed to play a villainous role in the trilogy-capping sequel. Rumors suggest he's in line to play Scytale, the Face Dancer who attempts to tear Paul down by manipulating those around him. If Pattinson does Dune 3, his casting would likely lead to more big stars ing the project.

Dune: Part Three Is Confirmed In Development

The Third Film Is Coming Soon

with Legendary confirming development was underway on the Part Three script, it's only a matter of time before Warner Bros. gets on board.

While Villeneuve is eager to bring a complete story to life for Dune as a trilogy, Warner Bros. has not officially green-lit Dune: Part Three. However, with the reaction to Dune: Part Two so overwhelmingly positive, WB will likely give the movie the go-ahead sooner rather than later. Furthermore, with Legendary confirming development was underway on the Part Three script, it's only a matter of time before Warner Bros. gets on board.

The director has hinted at a 2026 filming start time, but that has seemingly been contradicted by comments from Florence Pugh. The Princess Irulan actor mentioned that she was returning to film Dune: Part Three in summer 2025, so things might actually be moving forward faster than previously expected. However, nothing will be certain until the cameras start rolling.

Dune: Part Three Cast Details

Which Characters Appear In Dune Messiah?

Though Dune: Messiah is set 12 years after the events of the first Dune novel, most of the Dune: Part Three cast could still be composed of actors from the first two films. Timotheé Chalamet is expected to return as Paul Atreides to wrap up his fantastic arc, and Zendaya will need to return as his Fremen love, Chani. Additionally, Florence Pugh's Princess Irulan will also need to make a comeback, since her emotional journey throughout book three is paramount to the rest of the story. Pugh has since confirmed she'll be back in Dune: Part Three.

Lady Jessica is absent from Dune: Messiah, though that detail will likely be changed.

The surprise casting of Anya Taylor-Joy in Dune: Part Two saw her assume the role of Paul's sister, Alia. However, to compensate for the fact that Alia is merely an infant during the closing days of Frank Herbert's Dune, Taylor-Joy appears as a vision of Paul's sister from the future. This role will still provide issues for Dune: Part Three since Alia is only a tween when the events of the story take place, even if she possesses the consciousness of an adult. It is unclear if Taylor-Joy will continue playing the role.

Jason Momoa has confirmed that he'll be back as former Atreides swordmaster, Duncan Idaho, and he plays a crucial role in Dune: Messiah despite having died in the first movie. Idaho is resurrected as a clone or ghola by the Tleilaxu for the purpose of destroying Paul by tempting him to turn to evil. Ghola's are meant to be unaware of the previous lives, but Idaho's ghola is plagued by memories of who he was.

A list of characters who could return in Dune: Part Three includes:

Why Denis Villenueve Is Stopping After Dune: Part Three

The Dune Saga Gets Trickier & Trickier With Each Sequel

Denis Villeneuve has been very vocal about the fact that Dune: Part Three will be the last movie he works on in the franchise. Though it could be easy to chalk that up to a director simply wanting to work on other projects, it also speaks to the complicated nature of author Frank Herbert's sequels. Dune: Part Three will adapt the second novel, Dune Messiah, which is ostensibly the end of Paul's storyline. However, things continue in the third book, Children of Dune, but the stories get increasingly difficult to adapt on film.

By the time book four rolls around (God Emperor of Dune), the story follows Paul's son, Emperor Leto II, as he has merged with the sandworms to become a collosal and seemingly undying creature. Not only would that be a hard sell for most audiences, it presents storytelling challenges since most of the story involves dense philosophy that isn't conducive to Hollywood blockbusters. Each successive sequel also jumps further and further into the future, making things hard to follow as thousands of years .

Dune: Part Three Story Details

What Happens In Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah?

Each of the Dune stories builds on the message of the danger of blind faith, making Dune: Part Three one of the most important parts of the entire Dune canon.

By the time Dune Messiah begins, Paul Atreides isn’t just a messiah-like figure envisioning the future, he’s the emperor of the known universe. This prompts a religious fervor among his loyal followers, with the Fremen advocating for a war that will cause the death of billions. With firm control over his ancestral memories and visions of the future, Paul tries to prevent humanity's destruction while also dodging assassination attempts from embittered royal houses who envy his power.

Princess Irulan is Paul's consort, the only way to keep him on the throne, but she sides against him, even attempting to prevent Chani from giving Paul an heir since Paul won’t allow Irulan to bear his children. Each of the Dune stories builds on the message of the danger of blind faith, making Dune: Part Three one of the most important parts of the entire Dune canon.