Following the success of Dune: Part One and Part Two, director Denis Villeneuve confirmed his plans to return to Frank Herbert’s universe for a third film, Dune: Messiah. Villeneuve, known for his meticulous world-building and captivating storytelling, shared in a recent interview that he is already deep in the writing process and plans to go behind the camera sooner than expected. This third film will mark the conclusion of Paul Atreides’ story, solidifying Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy.
Denis Villeneuve, who previously regarded Dune: Part One and Part Two as a single narrative split into two films, says Dune: Messiah will offer a fresh take on the universe. Set twelve years after the events of Dune: Part Two, the story explores Paul’s transformation into a messianic figure and the consequences of his rise to power. Villeneuve explained that while the new film takes place in the same universe, it will introduce “new circumstances” and a distinct narrative arc that will delve deeper into Paul’s complex journey.
Fans can expect Timothée Chalamet to reprise his role as Paul Atreides alongside Zendaya as Chani, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Villeneuve highlighted the essential roles these characters play in Paul’s life, especially his relationship with Chani, which he described as the “heart” of the film. This relationship, already central in the first two films, will continue to shape Paul’s identity and decisions, even as he faces the political and moral challenges of leadership.
Denis Villeneuve emphasized that while Dune: Part One and Part Two were massive productions driven by the epic scale of Frank Herbert’s world, Dune: Messiah will be a more intimate film. Though set against a vast political backdrop, he explained that, played by Timothée Chalamet, Paul’s journey is ultimately a personal and tragic story. As Paul consolidates his power, he is forced to make choices that will betray those he loves, including Chani, underscoring his character’s central tragedy.
Recently, Dune: Prophecy was also announced with a trailer and is set to bring the Dune universe to streaming platforms. The show will expand the story first told, taking place 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides and exploring the origins of the powerful Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. It also features Indian Actress Tabu. The show follows two Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, as they navigate challenges that threaten the future of humankind and establish the legendary sect.
Despite Dune’s overwhelming box office success and critical acclaim, Denis Villeneuve is ready to close this chapter of his career after Dune: Messiah. Though Herbert wrote several other sequels, Villeneuve hinted that his connection to the Dune universe would end with the third film. His focus will be on wrapping up Paul’s arc, bringing closure to the story he set out to tell from the beginning.
As for when production on Dune: Messiah will begin, Villeneuve remains cryptic, suggesting that while he initially planned to take a long break, he might be back behind the camera “faster than I think.” The wait for fans may not be as long as initially expected, and with Dune: Part Two still fresh in theatres, anticipation is already building for the final chapter of this remarkable sci-fi saga.
