February 20, 2025: Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is pushing to complete the third instalment of his Dune movie series this summer. The production team is currently in pre-production, with the goal of a summer shoot, though June might be too early. Sources close to the film indicated that the timeline depends on key factors, such as talent availability.
The success of Dune: Part Two, which grossed over $700 million globally and earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination, has heightened expectations for the next chapter. Villeneuve plans to adapt Frank Herbert’s follow-up novel Dune Messiah for the third film, which will bring the saga of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) to its conclusion. The plot will follow Paul as he navigates the consequences of becoming the Emperor and the Messiah to the Fremen, having ignited a universe-spanning jihad.
Though the title for the third instalment has yet to be decided, Villeneuve shared that this film will focus on the end of Paul’s journey. The third movie is expected to be the final part of Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy, which has been a long-term ambition for the director.
In interviews, Villeneuve expressed high expectations for Dune: Part Two. He remarked that it surpasses the first film in terms of emotional depth and intensity, stating that he is more satisfied with it than the first instalment. Villeneuve also eagerly anticipates sharing the film with fans and moviegoers alike.
Returning cast members from Dune: Part Two include Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem, among others. New additions to the cast include Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and Stellan Skarsgård.