MOVIE NEWS – Dune 3 might hit theaters sooner than expected, with Denis Villeneuve already working on the script and sharing exciting new details about the third installment, including a surprising 12-year time jump.

Denis Villeneuve managed to accomplish the impossible when he released Dune in 2021, adapting Frank Herbert’s groundbreaking sci-fi novel to widespread critical acclaim, earning six Academy Awards. Earlier this year, Villeneuve returned to Arrakis with Dune: Part Two, adapting the second half of Herbert’s book. Initially, Villeneuve had planned to take a break from the franchise to work on an original project. However, it seems that break is over, as Villeneuve is now hard at work adapting Herbert’s second novel, Dune Messiah.

Speaking to Deadline, Villeneuve revealed some exciting details about the upcoming third film, which he confirmed will be his final entry in the saga. “I’m in the writing zone right now,” the director began. Villeneuve had previously mentioned that filming for Dune 3 could start as early as late 2025 or early 2026. In this new interview, he updated the timeline, stating that 2026 is now the target year for filming.

Unlike Dune: Part Two, the third film will not be a direct continuation of the story. Instead, Villeneuve has revealed that Dune 3 will feature a 12-year time jump, completing Paul Atreides’ journey. The director explained:

“The story takes place 12 years after where we left the characters at the end of Part Two. Their journey, their story is different this time, and that’s why I always say that while it’s the same world, it’s a new film with new circumstances.”

Dune 3 Will “Finish the Paul Atreides Arc”

Despite the time jump, Denis Villeneuve assured fans that Dune 3 will still be focused on Paul Atreides’ story. Over the course of the two films, audiences have watched Paul, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, evolve from the naive son of House Atreides to the influential and manipulative leader of the Fremen, fulfilling an ancient prophecy (but which one?). Villeneuve also confirmed that Zendaya will reprise her role as Chani. Even more excitingly, Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy will take on bigger roles in the third movie. Addressing the returning cast, Villeneuve said:

“They have to return. They are with the main cast when it happens. And more worms. What can I say?”

Despite making some adjustments to Herbert’s original, intricate storyline, few can deny that Denis Villeneuve has transformed Dune into one of the most enduring and visually stunning sci-fi franchises in recent years. For the director, the real joy comes from following Paul Atreides’ journey, as Villeneuve doesn’t view Dune as merely a sci-fi story, but rather one that centers on its characters, with technology in the background. He explained:

“I love the idea that we, through Paul Atreides’ eyes, discover a culture, begin to fall in love with it… and what moved me in the book was the idea that a young man can consolidate his identity in another culture and truly find himself. It’s beautiful.”

Source: MovieWeb