Film news: ‘Dune: Part Three’ loads up on stars for trilogy

Revolutionary Dune director Denis Villeneuve, along with Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, has assembled some of Hollywood’s biggest stars for the eagerly awaited third chapter in the Dune trilogy.

Officially titled Dune: Part Three, the feature’s latest production updates have fans expecting yet another innovative masterpiece.

Film News Blitz’s Aidan Leo shares all the recent updates pertaining to the highly anticipated third instalment.

Big names reprise, potential huge name arrives

Expect more iconic moments and powerful speeches from Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides, as Timothée Chalamet returns to reprise his role as Dune’s leading figure.

Zendaya returns as Chani, while Jason Momoa is set to appear in the third instalment after missing out on Part Two.

Other expected returnees include huge industry names — Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anya Taylor-Joy.

After a brief cameo in the second instalment, Taylor-Joy is expected to play a more significant role in the story.

Additionally, it was reported earlier this year that Robert Pattinson could potentially arrive on Arrakis as a villain, per Deadline.

But this has yet to be confirmed. 

‘Dune: Messiah’ criticisms 

Fans of the books and of the Dune lore have criticised the naming of the feature, with many expecting the film to be titled “Dune: Messiah” as an ode to Frank Herbert’s second book in the series.

Given that the film is set to follow the sequel book’s storyline, fans’ expectations carried weight.

However, the production has opted to stay true to their title trend following Dune: Part Two, further reinforcing the raw, ominous feel of the Dune film franchise.

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IMAX misconceptions

Various reports suggested that Dune: Part Three would join Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey to be the only two films shot exclusively on IMAX.

This was after IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond misspoke in an interview when alluding to the film being Imax exclusive.

Variety has now put these claims to rest, reporting that while the film will include IMAX-shot sequences, it will not be filmed entirely in IMAX.

The legend continues

In 2024, Villeneuve suggested that the third instalment might not be the final Dune chapter.

“First, it’s important that people understand that for me, it was really a diptych,” Villeneuve spoke, referencing the first two instalments.

“It was really a pair of movies that will be the adaptation of the first book.

“That’s done and that’s finished. If I do a third one, which is in the writing process, it’s not like a trilogy.

“It’s strange to say that, but if I go back there, it’s to do something that feels different and has its own identity.”

Dune: Part Three is slated for a December 2026 release.

Arrakis’ future awaits.

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Aidan Leo

Aidan Leo is a passionate, expressive and bold writer who although makes use of unnecessarily extensive vocabulary at times, he more than makes up for it with his enthusiasm and love for cinema. 

Whether it be the intensity and social commentary of classics like A Few Good Men and Fight Club, or the joyous and slightly controversial hilarity of Step Brothers and The Heat, he loves them all. 

His other passions include sports, photography/videography, food, fashion, music, and anime.

As Matthew McConaughey’s David says in Dazed and Confused, “The older you do get, the more rules they’re gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin’ man. L-I-V-I-N.” A quote Aidan prides himself on and one he looks to, to continue following his dreams and passions. 

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