Dune is shaping up to be a powerhouse franchise for WB, at a time when the studio seems to be struggling with its other properties. Dune: Part Two has already opened to rave reviews from critics, with fan reaction for the film also being mostly positive, ahead of its release on March 1st. Denis Villeneuve, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, provided an update on the franchise.
With all the praises that are being heaped on Dune: Part Two, WB is just moments away from officially confirming the third Dune film, the prospects of which look just as promising as Dune: Part Two. With seeds of the third film already planted in the second film, Villeneuve revealed how far along preparations are for the third installment in the franchise.
The script for Dune 3 is “almost done”
Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two adapt the first novel in the series in two parts. A third film is expected to adapt the second book in the series, Dune Messiah, which is also expected to be the name of the third film as well. Denis Villeneuve has spoken about his approach to the script, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter:
“I agreed to make Part One and Part Two back to back and now I think I will need to digest this experience and I want to come back with a strong screenplay. It’s almost done but it needs work, a bit, now.”
The script for the film is expected to adapt the entire novel at a go, rather than splitting it up like the first novel. The second novel in the series focuses on the fallout of the ending of Dune, picked up 12 years after its events, and the goings-on of the court of the Padishah Emperor.
Dune: Part Two has already set up integral parts of the story of Dune Messiah, such as a surprise cameo by Anya Taylor-Joy, who will be playing Alia Atriedes, the younger sister of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul.
Dune Messiah is all but shaped up in the wake of Dune: Part Two
While the script for the film remains in development, the plot points for a third film in the Dune franchise have already been introduced. Paul’s visions of the future have revealed a lot of characters of importance, especially his sister, Alia Atreides, who will play an important role in raising the children Paul has with Chani.
While Dune: Part Two adapts a lot of convoluted elements of the plot from the novels, it seems that Denis Villeneuve’s approach to adapting the series has resonated with mainstream audiences and critics alike, a rare feat when it comes to films in modern Hollywood, especially when it related to beloved properties like Dune, that have a dedicated fanbase scrutinizing every aspect of the adaptation.
