MOVIE NEWS – Javier Bardem, the Academy Award-winning actor who brought Fremen leader Stilgar to life in Dune and Dune: Part Two, admits he doesn’t know if his character will return in the franchise’s third installment. Dune: Messiah is currently being written by Denis Villeneuve, but Bardem appears to be just as in the dark about the story as fans are.

Javier Bardem is keeping busy these days. The actor delivers a riveting performance in Netflix’s Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and has just appeared in the streamer’s new animated musical, Spellbound. Speaking with Variety about his upcoming projects, Bardem shared a surprising update regarding his potential role in Dune: Messiah:
“I know that I’m in the book, so I should be in the script. If I’m not, I will be very angry, and I will let him know. I will go to Canada.”

The No Country For Old Men star’s humorous remarks echo Stilgar’s comedic moments in Dune: Part Two. Stilgar often provided comic relief, whether marveling at something new or enthusiastically proclaiming Paul Atreides as the “Lisan al-Gaib.” However, Stilgar remains a crucial character in the franchise, embodying the Fremen’s orthodox traditions. Bardem also expressed admiration for Villeneuve:
“Seriously though, I totally love him. I adore him. Whatever he wants, and whatever he decides, it will be fine for me. Absolutely. He’s an extraordinary human being. Such a loving man, fun, funny as hell, and a real worker.”

What We Know About Dune: Messiah

Paul’s story in Messiah is expected to take a darker turn, hinting at significant changes in his relationship with the Fremen. Removing Stilgar from the narrative would be disappointing, but it’s too early to theorize. Villeneuve’s proven talent ensures anticipation remains high. Bardem does have one special request if Stilgar returns:
“When my son saw Dune: Part Two, he stood up in the theater and said, ‘That’s my dad.’ But at the end, he added, ‘But you didn’t have any sword fighting.’ So now I have a new demand for Denis Villeneuve. If there is such a thing as Dune: Messiah, please give me just a little sword fighting so I can show my son.”

All we know about Dune 3 so far is that it will follow the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune: Messiah, set 12 years after the first book. In the meantime, Bardem is staying busy. He recently signed on to play Max Cady in Apple TV+’s Cape Fear adaptation, directed by Nick Antosca and executive produced by Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. He will also star in Joseph Kosinski’s F1, set for release in June 2025.

Source: MovieWeb