DUNE: PART THREE Officially Begins Filming – Denis Villeneuve Shares Production Still
The sands of Arrakis are stirring again as Dune: Part Three is officially in production. Director Denis Villeneuve has kicked off filming on what will be his final chapter in the Dune saga. It was also revealed that the movie will not be titled Dune: Messiah as many expected.
Villeneuve shared the first production still, giving fans a familiar but haunting glimpse at the vast desert landscape that continues to define Paul Atreides’ fate.
This third installment won’t really be a continuation of the first two films. It’s something else entirely. Villeneuve previously said:
“First, it’s important that people understand that for me, it was really a diptych. It was really a pair of movies that will be the adaptation of the first book. That’s done and that’s finished.
“If I do a third one, which is in the writing process, it’s not like a trilogy. It’s strange to say that, but if I go back there, it’s to do something that feels different and has its own identity.”
Dune: Part Three will not be a traditional sequel in the trilogy sense. It’s a tonal shift. A new lens. A different beast entirely.
And while Villeneuve has made it clear this is the end of his journey in the Dune universe, the franchise may still continue without him. Warner Bros. reportedly has its eyes on a fourth film and might tap Gareth Edwards (Rogue One, Godzilla, Jurassic World Rebirth) to take over the reins.
The filmmaker previously shared some plot details saying that the subject of war would be at the center of the adaptation adding that in Dune: Part Two, “in order to save his friends, [Paul Atredies] has to start a war.”
He also confirmed that Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy would all be returning to the sequel. Taylor-Joy's Alia Atreides was introduced very briefly in Dune 2.
Villenueve said: "They have to return. They are with the main cast when it happens, and more worms. What can I say?"
Frank Herbert’s Dune: Messiah takes place 12 years after the events of the first book and follows Paul Atreides, now Emperor of the Known Universe. Paul's rule is marked by political intrigue, religious fervor, and the consequences of his prescient visions.
As he navigates the complexities of his position, Paul faces challenges from various factions, including the powerful Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, who seek to control his bloodline.
Amidst this turmoil, Paul's relationship with his wife, Chani, and his young children adds a personal dimension to his struggles.
Robert Pattinson joins the film as the shape-shifting Face Dancer Skytale. Also appearing are Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke as the twin children of Paul and Chani, Leto II and Ghanima. Jason Momoa also returns as a Ghola version of Duncan Idaho.
Are you excited for this third chapter of Dune?
"...on a journey into that land where we walk without footprints."
— DUNE (@dunemovie) July 8, 2025
Production has begun on the next film in Denis Villeneuve's Dune trilogy.
📷 Denis Villeneuve
📍 Arrakis pic.twitter.com/JYP8ShbrRx