MOVIE PREVIEW – Denis Villeneuve’s 2023 blockbuster, Dune: Part Two, was a critical and commercial juggernaut, captivating audiences and raking in massive box office numbers. But the visionary director isn’t done with Frank Herbert’s sci-fi universe just yet. He’s already deep into development on the highly anticipated trilogy finale, Dune: Messiah.

Despite Herbert’s original saga spanning six novels, Villeneuve has made it clear that he has no plans to extend the franchise beyond this third installment. That being said, his films have brought the legendary tale to the big screen with a level of authenticity and cinematic grandeur never before achieved, so it’s no surprise that fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion. Here’s everything we know so far about Dune: Messiah—from production updates to the expected storyline—so you can be just as prepared as we are for the grand finale of Paul Atreides’ journey.

The Storm Hasn’t Settled Yet

A specific release date for Dune: Messiah has yet to be officially confirmed, and conflicting reports have made its production timeline somewhat hazy. Initially, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures were reluctant to even acknowledge that this would be Villeneuve’s next film. In June 2024, the studios announced that his next “event movie” would hit theaters on December 18, 2026, but at the time, his lineup also included Nuclear War, Cleopatra, and Rendezvous with Rama.

However, considering the overwhelming success of Dune: Part Two, it’s hard to imagine that the threequel wouldn’t be at the top of the priority list. Villeneuve himself recently confirmed that Dune: Messiah is now his primary focus. Speaking at a Saturn Awards press conference, the director shared an exciting update: “I originally thought I’d work on something else first, but honestly, this is the story that called to me when I took a break this summer and started thinking about the final chapter. I was really moved by how Part Two was received by film lovers worldwide, and I felt not only an excitement for more but a responsibility to complete this journey.” In other words, Villeneuve’s other projects have now taken a back seat.

Reports suggest that production, initially expected to begin in 2026, has been moved up to summer 2025, strongly hinting that the late 2026 release date is still on track. Of course, major productions like this come with countless moving parts, so script or scheduling issues could still cause delays. But for now, all signs point to Dune: Messiah arriving sooner than we originally expected.

Familiar Faces Behind the Camera

Villeneuve will once again take on both writing and directing duties, and several key collaborators from previous films are expected to return as well. Jon Spaihts (Doctor Strange) may once again join as a co-writer, though his involvement hasn’t been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer is all but guaranteed to compose the score, ensuring that the final film maintains the sweeping, immersive soundscape fans have come to expect. That said, with so many major projects in the works, some members of the crew may be replaced this time around. For instance, cinematographer Greig Fraser is committed to The Batman: Part II, which might prevent him from returning for Dune: Messiah.

As for the cast, all signs point to the return of the major players. That means Timothée Chalamet will reprise his role as Paul Atreides, Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, and Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam. However, with an in-universe time jump of 12 years between Dune: Part Two and Dune: Messiah, some roles could potentially be recast. Still, given the central role these actors have played in making the franchise a success, it’s hard to imagine the studio opting for replacements. More likely, we’ll see some aging-up effects to match the passage of time.

New Characters and Returning Legends

In addition to the core cast, several supporting characters from the books are expected to make their return. Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin), and Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) all play a role in Dune: Messiah. Additionally, Jason Momoa’s character, Duncan Idaho—a ghola (a genetically engineered human)—is a major presence in the novel, so it’s highly likely that he’ll have a much larger role in the third film.

What Can Fans Expect from the Story?

Dune: Messiah picks up 12 years into Paul Atreides’ reign as Emperor, with much of the known galaxy under his control. His conquest has solidified his rule, but the consequences of his influence are catastrophic—the religious movement he inspired has already claimed 61 billion lives. The weight of this legacy looms heavily over his empire.

However, Villeneuve has already made significant changes in his adaptations, and these shifts will have major implications for the final chapter. One of the most notable deviations is Chani’s fate—unlike in the book, where she remains steadfastly by Paul’s side, the film’s version of Chani leaves him and his followers, heading into the desert of Arrakis after his rise to power and the onset of a galactic holy war. How Villeneuve will reconcile this departure from the original story remains unclear, but he has made it known that he won’t be revealing any details ahead of the movie’s release.

Ultimately, fans will have to trust Villeneuve’s ability to craft a finale that lives up to the high bar he’s already set. Given his track record, there’s little reason for doubt. He has proven time and time again that he can translate Herbert’s sprawling, intricate world onto the big screen with remarkable fidelity and creativity. In the meantime, while we wait for Dune: Messiah to arrive, fans can look forward to the upcoming MMO game, Dune: Awakening, launching on May 20, or rewatch Dune and Dune: Part Two on Max.

For now, patience is the name of the game—until Dune: Messiah finally hits theaters.

-Gergely Herpai “BadSector”-