The story ofDune: Part TwoandDune 3will be separated by a 12-year time jump, but thankfully, fans won’t be waiting anywhere near that long for the next entry in Denis Villeneuve’s groundbreaking sci-fi franchise, as the third film in the trilogy just got a major production update.Dune: Part Twowas released less than 12 months ago,and is currently making its rounds (and being snubbed on) the awards circuit. But to some fans, it feels like a lifetime since the last entry. At one point, Villeneuve had fans worried when he speculated that he might film a different movie in betweenPart TwoandDune Messiah, but that rumor was put to rest last year. Now, not only is Villeneuve working on the script forDune Messiah, butthe film may move into production far quicker than anyone was expecting.
Per a new report fromDeadline’s Baz Bamigboye, a trusted source within the industry,Dune 3, otherwise titledDune Messiah, will begin shooting this June!At the pre-BAFTA party, which Bamigboye attended, the reporter overheard news aboutMessiah’s production schedule. Alongside a casual Adrien Brody name-drop, Bamigboye writes:
“As I make my way to see Charles Finch, our host, who’s sat next to The Brutalist’s Adrien Brody, someone whispers in my ear that Denis Villeneuve will start filming Dune 3: Messiah this June and not in 2026. This is news to both ears.”
This report contradicts whatVilleneuve himself said aboutDune Messiah’s production schedule.Last October, the acclaimed director speculated that the third film would begin shooting in 2026. “I was expecting to do something else before, but frankly, that’s the inspiration that came to my mind as I took a break this summer and was going back and finishing the story,” he also said.
‘Dune’ Isn’t a Trilogy, According to Denis Villeneuve
WhileDune Messiah’s production schedule keeps changing, its status as part of a “trilogy” does not. Denis Villeneuve is incrediblyreluctant to call hisDunemovies a trilogy.Instead,DuneandDune: Part Twoare considered to be a duology, whileDune Messiahwill be its own story that happens to follow the same characters.
‘Dune’ Star Anya Taylor-Joy Confirms Return for ‘Dune Messiah’
The actress opened up about reprising her pivotal role as Paul’s super-powered sister in Denis Villeneuve’s threequel.
Part of the reason for this is the aforementioned 12-year time jump. Given the ending ofPart Two, which saw Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) declare war on the Emperor’s allies after besting the Harkonnen army on Arrakis, many expectedMessiahto depict the intergalactic battles between House Atreides and the Fremen, and the forces of the Emperor. ButVilleneuveis taking the story in a different direction. Here’s what Villeneuve had to say last October:
“The story takes place 12 years after where we left the characters at the end of Part Two. Their journey, their story is different this time, and that’s why I always say that while it’s the same world, it’s a new film with new circumstances.”
Dune: Part Three
