There’s no doubt that Denis Villeneuve wants to turn Dune into a blockbuster movie trilogy. He has his eyes on adapting Dune Messiah, Frank Herbert’s first sequel to the sci-fi classic.
Choosing to end with Dune Messiah is a bold move, considering the novel’s impact on the mythology. But, from a storytelling standpoint, it makes sense.
For those unaware of Dune novels, it’s worth noting they take the narrative in some peculiar directions. But, even for part three, fans have to wait a bit more.
Upsetting Dune Update May Shake Sci-Fi Enthusiasts
Variety recently reported that after adapting Dune Messiah, Denis Villeneuve is likely done with the movie series. Even though there are more Dune novels by Frank Herbert and his son Brian, the French Canadian film director and writer said in a recent Time interview, “Dune Messiah should be the last Dune movie for me.”
Villeneuve is actively working on the script, confirming it’s “being written right now,” though he did say that it isn’t quite finished yet.
If the four-time recipient of the Canadian Screen Award goes with Messiah, it might not happen right away. After six years of non-stop Dune action (in both parts), looks like he needs a break now.
The 56-year-old director expressed a desire to take a break from the series before starting filming Dune Messiah. In a press conference in South Korea (posted on YouTube), the Arrival filmmaker said:
“I don’t know exactly when I will go back to Arrakis. I might make a detour before just to go away from the sun. For my mental sanity, I might do something in between.”
Warner Bros. still hasn’t decided about adapting Messiah, and maybe it will likely depend on Dune: Part Two‘s box office success.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya Are Up For Dune Part Three
If Denis Villeneuve gets to finish his trilogy, several of his stars are already on board. In an interview with Total Film magazine (via Games Radar), Timothée Chalamet, who plays protagonist Paul Atriedes, said:
“The idea excites me very much. If the time and opportunity comes to complete the story with Messiah, I think we’re all super enthusiastic about that.”
Zendaya, who portrays Chani in the films, has shown enthusiasm for reprising her role in a Messiah adaptation during an interview with Fandango (via Variety). “Any time Denis calls it’s a yes from me. I’m excited to see what happens,” she said.
Watch Dune (2021) on Amazon’s Prime Video. Dune: Part Two hits theaters on March 1, 2024, and will have early screenings on February 25 exclusively in IMAX.
