Dune 3 could hit theaters sooner than we thought, as Denis Villeneuve recently revealed he’s begun the writing process on the eagerly anticipated threequel. In a new interview, Villeneuve offered a couple of suprirising details about Dune Messiah, including exactly how long it’s set after the events of Dune: Part Two, and when he plans on filming the sequel.
Villeneuve adapted the unadaptable when he released Dune in 2021. Based on Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel of the same name, Dune received rave reviews from critics and audiences, as well as six Academy Awards. Villeneuve returned for a second trip to Arrakis earlier this year with Dune: Part Two, which adapted the second half of Herbert’s book. After the release of Part Two, the director initially said he was taking a break from the franchise to pursue a new, original movie. However, it appears his break is over, and Villeneuve is already hard at work on adapting Herbert’s second book, Dune Messiah.
Speaking to Deadline, Villeneuve revealed some major details about the upcoming third installment, which is confirmed to be his last. “I’m in the writing zone right now,” the director began. Villeneuve apparently had a previous conversation with the reporter where he said that Dune 3 could begin filming in late 2025/early 2026. In the new interview, the director updated the project’s timeline, confirming that 2026 is the target date for filming.
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Most importantly, Villeneuve revealed what audiences can expect from Dune 3. Unlike Dune: Part Two, the third movie will not be a direct continuation of the story. “Like Herbert did with Dune Messiah, I think it’ll be a great idea to do something completely different,” Villeneuve said. Dune 3 will feature a 12-year time jump, rounding out Paul Atreides’ journey. The director explained:
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The story takes place 12 years after where we left the characters
at the end of Part Two. Their journey, their story is different this time, and that’s why I always say that while it’s the same world, it’s a new film with new circumstances.”
Dune 3 Will “Finish the Paul Atreides Arc”
Despite the unexpected time jump, Denis Villeneuve promises that Dune 3 will still firmly be Paul Atreides’ movie. Over the two films, audiences have witnessed Paul, played by Timothée Chalamet, transform from the naive son of the powerful House Atreides, to the influential and manipulative leader of the Fremen and fulfilling an ancient prophecy (but which one…?). The director also confirmed that Zendaya will return as Chani. And, most excitingly, Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy will both be given bigger roles after appearing in the first movie. Addressing the returning cast, Villeneuve said:
“They have to return. They are with the main cast when it happens. And more worms. What can I say?”
Despite making some changes to Herbert’s original, bizarre story, few can deny that Denis Villeneuve has transformed Dune into one of the most endearing and beautiful modern sci-fi movie franchises in recent years. For the director himself, the joy comes from witnessing Paul Atreides’ journey, as he doesn’t class Dune as a sci-fi story, believing it emphasizes its characters first with technology in the background. He explained:
“I like the idea that we will, through the eyes of Paul Atreides, discover a culture, start to fall in love with this culture… and what moved me in the book at first was the idea that a young man can consolidate his identity in another culture and find himself. It’s beautiful.”