Dune 3 doesn’t have an official release date just yet, but we may have some clues about when it could hit theaters. In late June 2024, Warner Bros announced a previously unnamed “event film” slated for December 2026, now identified as an “untitled Denis Villeneuve film.” While this is promising, it doesn’t guarantee that this is Dune 3, so it’s best to stay cautious.
Following the massive success of Dune: Part Two, which is currently streaming on Max in the US, Legendary Pictures confirmed that Denis Villeneuve will return to direct the third installment. Villeneuve has long hinted at wrapping up his Dune trilogy with an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sequel, Dune Messiah.
After the April 2024 announcement, Villeneuve updated The New York Times on the progress of the third film: “I don’t want to reveal too much about what’s in store for the third movie. I have a clear vision and am currently working on the script.”
As we await the potential December 2026 release, here’s everything you need to know about Dune 3.
Dune 3 Potential Release Date: When Could We See Dune Part 3 in Theaters?
Although Dune 3 is officially in development, a confirmed release date remains elusive as of July 2024. Warner Bros has slated an “untitled Denis Villeneuve film” for December 18, 2026. Deadline suggests that this could likely be Dune 3, although no official confirmation has been made, and Villeneuve is still working on the script with the cast yet to be finalized.
In the April 2024 announcement, it was also revealed that Villeneuve is collaborating with Legendary on an adaptation of the non-fiction book Nuclear War: A Scenario (via Deadline), which would follow Dune 3. However, Villeneuve mentioned having four projects currently on his plate, including a secret one he’s eager to tackle before focusing on Dune Messiah and another project.
If you’re eager for more Dune content, the prequel series Dune: Prophecy, set around 10,000 years before the films, is set to debut later in 2024.
Dune 3 Cast: Who Will Return for the Next Chapter?
While it’s understandable to worry that Dune 2’s ending might affect Zendaya’s return as Chani, it’s highly likely she’ll reprise her role, as Chani plays a significant part in Dune Messiah. Although the official cast list for Dune 3 hasn’t been released, we can anticipate the return of several characters based on the novel:
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Zendaya as Chani
- Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
- Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam
- Javier Bardem as Stilgar
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides
Chalamet is expected to return, given his multi-year deal with Warner Bros signed on March 26, 2024, which gives Warner Bros the first option on his future projects.
Florence Pugh had a minor role in the sequel, but Villeneuve has indicated that Princess Irulan will have a more prominent role in the third film. Villeneuve expressed enthusiasm about working more with Pugh and Taylor-Joy, noting their inspiring performances.
We might also see characters like Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin), and Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) in some capacity, even though they’re only mentioned in Dune Messiah. Ferguson is interested in returning, and while Stephen McKinley Henderson and Tim Blake Nelson weren’t featured in the sequel, there’s a chance they might appear in the third film.
Will Jason Momoa Return for Dune 3?
Although Jason Momoa’s character, Duncan Idaho, was killed off in the first film, the Dune books reveal he returns as a ghola in Dune Messiah. While it’s not confirmed that Dune 3 will feature this twist, Momoa has expressed his eagerness to reprise the role if Villeneuve chooses to include it.
Dune 3 Plot: What Can We Expect from Dune Messiah?
Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune: Part Two remained largely faithful to Frank Herbert’s novel, though with some significant changes. The ending of the sequel, which separates Chani and Paul, and the absence of Paul’s sister Alia, will likely require adjustments in the adaptation of Dune Messiah.
Set 12 years after the first novel, Dune Messiah explores Paul’s struggle with the aftermath of his victory over the Harkonnens, leading to widespread devastation. The novel depicts Paul’s efforts to end the holy war and deal with new threats and betrayals, forcing him to make a decision that could alter the fate of the universe.
Villeneuve’s portrayal of Paul’s journey, especially in the climax of Dune 2, might allow for some creative flexibility in adapting Dune Messiah. Zendaya hinted that the resolution to Paul and Chani’s story might not be a happy one, suggesting a complex and challenging conclusion.
Dune 3 Trailer: Is There Any Footage Yet?
Dune 3 is still in the development stage, and filming has not yet begun, so there’s no footage available at this time. We’ll have to wait a bit longer to see any previews.