Summary
So far,Dunedirector Denis Villeneuve has done justice to the story of Paul Atreides, yet his plans forDune 3hint that Paul’s story may never reach its real conclusion, and that’s fine. In 2024, Villeneuve releasedDune: Part Twoto incredible acclaim. The excitement surrounding the movie, along with its amazing reception, proves that the franchise is on the right track.Dune 3,when it arrives, will certainly be another massive movie event. However, it may not be the ending that readers ofFrank Herbert’sDunebookswere expecting.
TheDunemovies have more or less stayed faithful to Frank Herbert’s books, but changes are inevitable. For example, the span of time betweenDuneandDune: Part Twois only a matter of months, but on the page, it is three to four years. Furthermore, the characters each display subtle but effective differences in the movies versus how they were written. These distinctions can either irk viewers who love theDunebooks or make the films that much better.Dune 3’s story planis expected to feature significant changes, but it seems that might not be a bad thing.
5 Ways Dune 3 Will Be Different From The Book After Denis Villeneuve’s Part 2 Changes
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two made some necessary changes to the source material, but the choices will also reshape the plot of Dune: Part Three.
Dune 3 Will Be Denis Villeneuve’s Final Dune Movie, But Paul’s Story Continues
Paul’s Story Goes Beyond Dune 3
The following section contains spoilers for Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune.Before the release ofDune: Part Two,Denis Villeneuve toldTimethathe wantedDune 3to be his lastDunemovie. This may be the case, but notably,how theDunebooks endis different from howDune 3would end. In fact, there are six books in the mainDuneseries:Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune,andChapterhouse: Dune.So far, Villeneuve has adapted the entirety of the firstDunebook with his two movies, andDune 3would likely coverDune Messiah.Yet, Paul’s story does not end there.
Though Paul Atreides is only the main character of the first twoDunebooks, he does reappear in the third novel,Children of Dune.Taking place approximately 20 years after the events ofDune,Children of Dunesees Paul return as a character called The Preacher. He argues that the religion built around Paul Atreides is false and should no longer be followed. He also appeals to his son Leto not to sacrifice himself for the greater good. Overall, Paul may not be the antihero ofChildren of Dune,but he does play a significant role as The Preacher.
Dune 3 Being Timothée Chalamet’s Final Dune Movie Wouldn’t Be Surprising
Dune’s Future May Be Too Risky
Chalamet could potentially stay on as Paul Atreides if another director picked up the Dune movie franchise, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the actor left, too.
Another important detail to glean from Denis Villeneuve’sDune 3statement is that he specifically wantsDune 3to be hislast movie. Just because Villeneuve is taking a step back does not mean that theDunemovie franchise has to end. Yet, it seems likely that the films won’t be the same without Villeneuve. In fact,Villeneuve’s exit probably forecasts the exits ofDune’sother major stars, including Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet could potentially stay on as Paul Atreides if another director picked up the Dune movie franchise, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the actor left, too.
One big reason why Chalamet would follow Villeneuve’sDuneexit is because the franchise is somewhat dependent on the director and his vision.Dunehas been adapted to the screen before, and there is a certain privilege to being a part of a specific version, especially Villeneuve’s, because of its success. Therefore,when a pillar of the franchise leaves, it’s not a complete surprise if actors follow the director in exiting rather than risk seeing the film series fall apart. For consistency’s sake, Chalamet and the rest oftheDunecastcould very well follow Villeneuve’s lead.
Dune 3 Needs To Be More Than A Messiah Adaptation & Use This 16-Year-Old Story Too
Denis Villeneuve will adapt Dune Messiah for Dune 3, but the movie would benefit from expanding the narrative and using another book story too.
Why It’s Ok If Timothée Chalamet Doesn’t Return As Paul For Dune 4
Dune 3’s Ending Won’t Be Too Bad
The following section contains spoilers for Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah.Fortunately, ending the franchise withDune 3isn’t a terrible option. Though it’s not the technical end of Paul Atreides' story,Dune Messiahends with Paul walking into the desert as himself, Paul Atreides, and not the savior Muad’Dib. While it may not be the most firm ending, it does bring Paul’s story to something of a close. This is a good thing becauseit will feel like the book is closing on Villeneuve’s franchise and Chalamet’s depiction of Paul. Therefore, if someone else picks up the franchise forDune 4, it won’t be strange that the previous cast and crew are absent.
Dune 3could possibly release in December 2026 based on WB’s plan for Denis Villeneuve’s next movie.
Overall, Denis Villeneuve’sDuneplan could run pretty smoothly. The director will not be adapting the remainder of theDunebooks, but the film franchise could very well still have a sense of completeness. By coinciding the end of the movies with the end of Paul’s time as the main character, Villeneuve is setting himself up for success. AfterDune 3,audiences will hopefully be satisfied, and the cast and crew can move on to other projects.
