'Dune: Messiah': Everything we know about the much-anticipated sequel
What's the story
After the resounding success of Dune: Part Two, anticipation is building for the third installment in Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed trilogy.
The forthcoming film, titled Dune: Messiah, is already generating buzz as it heads into production.
This excitement is fueled by the film's source material—a novel of the same name by Frank Herbert—and speculation about which cast and crew members will return for this new chapter.
Storyline
'Dune: Messiah' plot and title explained
Dune: Messiah will take its story from Herbert's 1969 novel, the sequel to the original Dune book.
The film will see Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, fully accepting his destiny as the "Kwisatz Haderach" or "Lisan al Gaib."
This character is a prophesied all-powerful being born out of millennia of genetic engineering and manipulation by the Bene Gesserit.
Production details
Cast and crew updates for 'Dune: Messiah'
Villeneuve is confirmed to return as director and writer for Dune: Messiah.
Although no official announcement has been made about additional screenwriters, Jon Spaihts—who worked with Villeneuve on the first two films—is likely to return.
The cast remains unconfirmed, but hopes are high for the return of Chalamet, Zendaya (Chani), and Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan).
Anya Taylor-Joy will join the cast as Alia Atreides, Paul's younger sister.
Narrative insights
Plot details and director's vision for 'Dune: Messiah'
The plot of Dune: Messiah will pick up from where Dune: Part Two left off, with Atreides taking control over the planet Arrakis.
The story will delve into his leadership of the Fremen beyond Arrakis and the war with the great houses that follow.
Villeneuve has teased a different narrative direction for this film, saying in an interview, "Like Herbert did with Dune Messiah, I think it'll be a great idea to do something completely different."
Release information
'Dune: Messiah' release date and production timeline
Dune: Messiah is still in the development stage, with Villeneuve teasing that shooting could start in 2025.
The director has also said that this film will be the end of his trilogy, as he has no interest in adapting later books from Herbert's series.
Despite the uncertainty of its release date, anticipation continues to build for this final installment in Villeneuve's celebrated Dune trilogy.