Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Messiah” to Begin Filming in Two Weeks

Production is ramping up for “Dune: Messiah”, the third installment in the “Dune” franchise from acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Filming is scheduled to begin in July 2025, reuniting the core cast for the first time since “Dune: Part Two” wrapped last year.

Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and Anya Taylor-Joy are all set to return to the desert world of Arrakis.

English actor Robert Pattinson will join the ensemble as the shapeshifting antagonist Scytale. Referred to as “The Tleilaxu Face Dancer,” Scytale is an infiltrator who plots to overthrow Paul Atreides, portrayed once again by Chalamet.

New additions to the cast include Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke, who will play the twin children of Atreides and Chani Kynes. The casting aligns with Frank Herbert’s second novel, “Dune Messiah,” in which Paul and Chani have children but never marry due to political constraints. Chani ultimately remains Atreides’ concubine within the royal household.

It remains uncertain whether Jason Momoa will reprise his role as Duncan Idaho, though the character plays a critical role in the events of the book.

The film will follow the storyline of Herbert’s 1969 novel, set twelve years after the events of “Dune: Part Two.” It delves into the repercussions of Paul Atreides’ ascension as Emperor of the Known Universe. Now revered as Muad’Dib, Paul struggles with the far-reaching consequences of a religious jihad waged in his name—a conflict that has claimed billions of lives across the galaxy. Though he rules with prophetic foresight, he is tormented by his inability to contain the spiritual forces he unleashed.

The narrative is expected to explore the numerous conspiracies against Paul’s reign—including plots orchestrated by the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, Scytale, and even his own wife, Princess Irulan, played by Pugh.

Villeneuve returns as director, producer, and co-writer for the third installment. He will collaborate once more with screenwriter Jon Spaihts. The film is reportedly scheduled for release in late 2026.

Warner Bros. Pictures will distribute the film.