Dune: Part Three - Confirmation & Everything We Know

Summary Director Denis Villeneuve expresses interest in turning Dune: Messiah into a movie, viewing it as a trilogy and a warning rather than a heroic tale.

Dune 3 is confirmed as in development after the wild success of Dune: Part Two.

The Dune 3 cast may see the return of original actors, with Timotheé Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh expected to reprise their roles, but there are uncertainties regarding the character of Alia and the possibility of a recast.

Director Denis Villeneuve’s first two Dune movies adapt the first novel in the series, and Dune: Part Three news means that he could adapt the second, Dune: Messiah. Though there are more than two dozen books that comprise the Dune franchise, only 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.

3:30 Related 12 Biggest Dune 2 Book Changes From Denis Villeneuve's Sequel Dune: Part Two adapts the second part of Frank Herbert's novel, and Denis Villeneuve's sequel changes the Dune book story and characters many times.

Most Recent Dune: Part Three News

Lengedary Confirms Dune: Part Three's Development

Though the continuation of the franchise was in little doubt, it has now been confirmed that Dune: Part Three is in the works. After director Denis Villeneuve offered non-commital updates in the weeks following the premiere of Part Two, Legendary Films has erased all doubt and announced the massive blockbuster project. Aiming to adapt Frank Herbert's novel, Dune Messiah, Villeneuve has already begun work on the script. No timeline has been given, but conflicting reports suggest Dune: Part Three will be his next project before he tackles Nuclear War: A Scenario.

Dune: Part Three Is Confirmed In Development

Warner Bros. Hasn't Green Lit Dune 3 Yet

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.

Dune: Part Three Cast

Which Characters Appear In Dune Messiah?

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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.

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.

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

Actor Dune Role Timotheé Chalamet Paul Atreides Zendaya Chani Florence Pugh Princess Irulan Corrino Anya Taylor-Joy Alia Atreides Rebecca Fergusson Lady Jessica Atreides Javier Bardem Stilgar Josh Brolin Gurney Halleck

Dune: Part Three Story

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.