What To Expect from “Dune: Part Three”

Denis Villeneuve speaking at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California.By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61462235

This article contains spoilers for Dune: Part Two and Dune: Part Three.

“Dune: Part Three” has been announced, marking Denis Villeneuve’s conclusion to the award-winning film trilogy. The film is scheduled to be released on Dec. 18.

The movie adapts the storyline of 1969’s “Dune Messiah,” the sequel to the first “Dune” novel written by Frank Herbert in 1965. In it, Paul Atreides, after embarking on a years-long holy war, returns to the planet of Arrakis to cement his rule as emperor of the galaxy, only to find that many of the galaxy’s political factions have been plotting against him. 

The movie’s continuity differs from the book’s in a few ways, but the biggest change is the role of Chani, Zendaya’s character. In the book, Chani is relegated to essentially a concubine and mother after Paul becomes a member of Fremen society. 

She has much more agency in the movie, serving as an elite member within the warrior class and ends “Dune: Part Two” by walking away from the newly crowned Emperor Paul. 

Despite the changes from the source material, fans are hopeful for the series’ conclusion: “I’m very excited,” said Jonah Edmonds ‘26. “I have high expectations, especially with how Villeneuve has handled the last two films. I think he’s going to get the message across…and hopefully Timothée Chalamet will bring a good performance too.”

According to Villeneuve, the movie will continue to expand on the book's themes, critiquing messianic figures and authoritarianism, as well as serving as the ending of Paul’s arc. “If the first movie was more of a contemplation, like a boy exploring a new world, and the second one being a war movie, this one is more action-packed and tense,” said Villeneuve at a trailer launch for the film. “[Paul is] dealing with the consequences of having too much power, and he is trying to figure out how to get out of this cycle of violence.”

The “Dune” movies are known for their star-studded cast, and “Part Three” is no exception, boasting an ensemble cast featuring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Javier Bardem and many other A-list actors. This movie adds Robert Pattinson of “Twilight” fame, as well as Anya-Taylor Joy as Alia Atreides. While Joy had a brief cameo in the second film, her role in this movie will be significantly more substantial. 

Pattinson has expressed his excitement at being in the movie, stating, “I absolutely adored these movies, saw them multiple times in the theater. I was talking to [Zendaya] on the set of ‘The Drama,' I was like, ‘How do I get in one of those “Dune” movies?’ It was a very unexpected call a few months later,” said Pattinson at the same launch event. Pattinson will be playing the role of Scytale, an antagonist to the Atreides regime.

Jason Momoa is also set to return to the franchise as Hayt, a clone of Momoa’s previous character, Duncan Idaho. 

Villeneuve has confirmed that the movie is still set to release on its intended date. “It’s going well; the movie is alive,” he said, discussing the work of post-production. “After this [event ], I’m running out to the editing room again.”