Dune 3 is officially moving ahead, and it seems like Denis Villeneuve is already making plans for production. The director was originally planning to have a small break before returning for Dune: Messiah, but after the huge success of the second movie, he's decided to keep the momentum growing. That's not the only news that's been circling the film either, with casting rumors and plot details also spiralling in the lead-up to the ambitious threequel.
Indeed, Dune 3 isn't a typical follow-up. Set years after the second film, it picks up at a very different point with its leading cast. Paul Atreides, in particular, is much changed from where the explosive ending of Dune: Part Two leaves him. For more on that, as well as all the details we have so far about potential release date and trailer rumors, scroll on for our complete guide to Dune: Messiah. What are we waiting for? Let's head back to Arrakis...
Dune 3 release date speculation
Despite some reports to the contrary, there is actually no Dune 3 release date just yet. Denis Villeneuve initially said that he was planning to wait a few years before returning to Arrakis, but later backtracked on this.
Excitingly, though, it sounds like production will begin earlier than expected, with a recent report claiming the threequel would begin filming in June.
Originally, it looked like Villeneuve planned to start filming the third movie in 2026. Speaking to Deadline in October 2024, he said "I’m in the writing zone right now" before tentatively giving a filming date of 2026. Although Villeneuve did then go on to clarify that may move around. "These movies take a lot of time to be made, so it’s best not to say out loud when I might shoot," he added.
We can take an educated guess about what this may mean for Dune: Messiah hitting our screens. The time between filming starting on Dune: Part Two and its release date was one year and nine months – and it's worth bearing in mind that this was also impacted by strikes. Based on this, it seems most likely that we won't see Dune: Messiah until early 2027.
At least we know that Denis Villeneuve has decided that Dune 3 will be his next movie. In early February 2025, he explained why: "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. I was really moved by the way Part Two was received by cinephiles around the world, and I felt an appetite and a desire to see more and a responsibility to finish that story."
Dune 3 plot speculation
Dune: Messiah does not have an official plot synopsis yet, but we do know it will be based on Herbert's novel of the same name. Most notably, the story features a 12-year gap from the events of Dune: Part Two. Per the logline of the novel, Paul Atreides has ruled as Emperor for 12 years, and has conquered most of the known universe. However, the religious devotion he inspired has caused the death of 61 billion people across the universe.
Now that time jump seems like a tricky thing to navigate, and Villeneuve is not sharing his plans just yet. However, he told Vanity Fair previously with a succinct response: "That’s my problem. I know how to do that."
There are lots more interesting things that happen in Dune: Messiah, but in order to avoid spoilers, we won't go into those in depth here. If you want to know more about the exact plot details – that Dune 3 may or may not follow – read our breakdown of what might happen, according to the books.
Dune 3 cast speculation
Just as is the case with the plot, no cast members have been confirmed for Dune: Messiah yet either. Given the 12-year gap between movies, it's entirely possible that Villeneuve could be planning to recast some roles in the upcoming film. But, to be honest, we doubt it.
Dune is known for its incredible cast, and it seems far more likely that the director may have some ideas about aging up his stars, rather than recasting. So, based on this, we predict that many of the main players will be back for the third movie. This would include:
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Zendaya as Chani
- Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
- Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
- Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
- Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV
- Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring
- Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam
- Javier Bardem as Stilgar
- Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides
There are some more rumors about who else could return too. Industry insiders have suggested that Jason Momoa may be returning as Duncan Idaho. How, you may ask? Well, that's a questions that gets us deep into Dune: Messiah book spoilers, but it's fair to say fans of Frank Herbert's books will be unsurprised by this news.
We expect there will be plenty more casting announcements to come as production edges closer on Dune: Messiah as well.
Is Dune 3 the final movie in the franchise?
Dune: Messiah has not been announced as the final movie in the Dune franchise, and Herbert does have several more novels that can be adapted. However, it will be the final movie helmed by Villeneuve. The director has been adamant about this for a long time, and recently reiterated this in a new interview. Speaking to The Wrap, he was asked to confirm if this would definitely be his final movie. "Yes. After that, it would become unhealthy," he replied.
Is there a Dune 3 trailer?
No, there is no Dune: Messiah trailer yet as cameras haven't yet started rolling on the movie. It's not likely that we'll see a first look at the sci-fi epic until much closer to release. With Dune: Part Two, the first trailer was released about 10 months before release – although it's worth pointing out that the release date was later delayed. It was about six months before the original release date. We expect Dune: Messiah will follow a similar timeline.
You can stream Dune now on HBO. Check out our guides to the best HBO movies and the best HBO shows to watch now.
