Denis Villeneuve addresses why he returned to work onDune 3sooner than expected.Dune: Part Twowas a critical and commercial hit, yet making the film and its predecessor was a difficult endeavor that required years to come to fruition. Villeneuve previously shared that he wanted to take a break before diving into writingDune 3’s story, which will adapt Frank Herbert’sDune: Messiahnovel, and continue the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet).
While speaking withCollider,Villeneuve explained that he returned to writeDune 3sooner than planned because of the overwhelmingly positive response toDune: Part Two. He shared how he was"moved"by the way that audiences around the world reacted toDune: Part Two,which inspired himand gave him a sense of responsibility to return to the story. Villeneuve also discussed how he is eager to explore the fallout of Chani (Zendaya) having her heart broken, along with the start of the Holy War. Check out his comments below:
Chani’s heart is broken, and it’s the beginning of the Holy War and that’s where we left, so in a way, I’d say it’s quite similar. 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.
What This Means For Dune 3
Production May Start In 2026
Villeneuve’s decision to already return totheworld ofDunemeans thatDune 3’s production may not be too far off. The acclaimed filmmaker is still in the process of writing, but he haspreviously mentioned 2026 as a tentative start date for production, although he has also clarified that nothing is set in stone, and that these movies take a considerable amount of time to make. Having confirmed thatDune 3will take place 12 years afterDune: Part Two, just like in the source material, there are considerable narrative changes that need to be made.
Dune 2 Ending Explained: Paul Atreides' Fate & What It Sets Up
Dune 2’s ending delivers an epic conclusion to this chapter of Paul Atreides' story, as the sequel also teases what is next for the sci-fi franchise.
Some of these narrative changes are related toFlorence Pugh’sDunecharacter, Princess Irulan, who will have a far more prominent role than she did in the second movie.12 years later, Paul, Chani, and Irulan will be at different stages in their lives, as will the universe that has been impacted by the Holy War. Accounting for the significant shifts that happened in the 12-year gap is important, although it cannot overtake the third movie’s story.
Our Take On Denis Villeneuve’s Comments
Dune 3 Will Be Worth The Wait
Regardless of how long it takes forDune 3to be made, the movie will be worth the wait.Dune: Part Twois a cinematic triumph that succeeds on every level. It is exciting that, less than a year later, Villeneuve is already hard at work on the next installment, which will be his last in theDuneuniverse. Living up to the heights ofDune: Part Twomay be challenging, butVilleneuve is a filmmaker who is up to the task of masterfully writing and directingDune 3as he delivers another masterpiece.
