Anticipating Dune Part 3: Denis Villeneuve’s Vision for the Final Chapter of the Trilogy

Anticipating Dune Part 3: “Dune Part 2” has had a remarkable opening, achieving critical acclaim with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 79% on Metacritic. Its financial success shines brightly for Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros, as the film secured a $28M Saturday, outperforming both “Oppenheimer” and “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and is on track for an $80M opening weekend in the U.S.

Amid this success, the narrative of Frank Herbert’s expansive universe, particularly the saga of the Atreides family, is far from concluded with just the first novel’s adaptation. Denis Villeneuve’s aspiration to expand the series into a trilogy with “Dune Part 3” ignites anticipation, especially with rumors suggesting this dream may soon materialize, promising to delve deeper into the intricate tale of power, destiny, and resistance.

The Future of Arrakis: Denis Villeneuve’s Vision for a Dune Trilogy

Following the release of “Dune Part Two,” the cinematic space opera through the desert plains of Arrakis has left audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Director Denis Villeneuve has never shied away from his ambitious vision to extend Frank Herbert’s sprawling saga into a comprehensive trilogy. In the lead-up to the first movie, he said: “I always thought there would be two movies for the first book. And I always thought Dune Messiah would be a powerful film. I always saw a trilogy.”With “Dune Part 2” culminating in Paul Atreides’ rise to power, the stage is set for a deep dive into the complexities of power and the inevitable consequences of foresight.

Dune Part 3: A Trilogy in the Making

In an interview with Empire, Villeneuve teased that the wheels are in motion when regarding making Dune 3. “I will say, there are words on paper,” said the filmmaker, who penned the first script with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth and the sequel with Spaihts (Craig Mazin and Roth wrote additional Dune 2 material). “If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream.”

According to Empire, Villeneuve would focus on Herbert’s sequel novel, Dune Messiah, for his third film, a story he said “was written in reaction to the fact that people perceived Paul Atreides as a hero … Which is not what [author Frank Herbert] wanted to do. My adaptation is closer to his idea that it’s actually a warning.” While not official, Villeneuve would inevitably direct Dune 3, considering his love for the first book. However, while Herbert wrote three more sequels following Messiah, Villeneuve noted that if Dune 3 were to happen, it would be his last. “The books become more … esoteric,” Villeneuve said.

Published in 1969, released five years after the original novel in 1965, “Dune Messiah” delves into the complex reign of Paul Atreides, exploring the unforeseen consequences of his rule and the philosophical dilemmas of his foresight. This sequel, more concise yet profound, is essential for understanding the broader themes of the Dune saga, particularly the tragic destiny of the Atreides. As “Dune Part Three” looms, adapting “Dune Messiah” seems vital to fully capture Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Paul’s journey, promising a deeper exploration of the narrative’s core themes.

Why “Dune Messiah” is Essential

The potential adaptation of “Dune Messiah,” the sequel to Herbert’s original novel, promises to challenge perceptions of heroism and leadership. “It was written in reaction to the fact that people perceived Paul Atreides as a hero… Which is not what [Herbert] wanted to do,” Villeneuve explained to Empire. By delving into the darker aftermath of Paul’s ascension, “Dune Part Three” could offer a critical reflection on the burdens of power and the perils of prophecy.

The Road Ahead

Deadline hinted at a “Dune” trilogy with a casual mention of “Dune: Part Two” being part of a three-film saga, yet official confirmation from Warner Bros., Legendary, or Denis Villeneuve on “Dune: Part Three” is pending. Following the pattern of the previous films, if green-lit, production for the third installment might start in 2024, eyeing a release around 2025 or 2026. This timing aligns well with the five-year gap between the original “Dune” and its sequel “Dune Messiah,” mirroring the potential spacing of the film adaptations.