Denis Villeneuve recently appeared on Vanity Fair’s “Little Gold Men” podcast to discuss the future of his “Dune” film series. Villeneuve emphasized that the forthcoming third installment, based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah, is not intended to complete a trilogy. This clarification comes after confirmed in April that work on “Dune 3” was underway, following the global success of “Dune: Part 2,” which has grossed $711 million worldwide.
For Villeneuve, the first two “Dune” films constitute a “diptych”—a two-part adaptation of Herbert’s first book. He stated, “It was really a pair of movies that will be the adaptation of the first book. That’s done and that’s finished.” Villeneuve further clarified that the third film, currently in the writing stage, will not be viewed as part of a trilogy. “If I do a third one, it’s not like a trilogy,” he said. “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.”
The adaptation of Dune Messiah will be set 12 years after the events of the initial “Dune” story, requiring the aging up of the current cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh. Villeneuve assured fans that he has a plan to address this but did not divulge specific details.
Villeneuve has previously expressed his intent for Dune Messiah to be his final project in the franchise. He acknowledged that while the series could continue with other directors, he is ready to explore new creative ventures. “If ‘Dune: Messiah’ happens, it will have been many years for me on Arrakis, and I would love to do something else,” Villeneuve said. He added that he hopes to lay the groundwork for future adaptations, noting that while Herbert’s subsequent books are more esoteric and challenging to adapt, he remains open to the possibility of other filmmakers taking up the mantle.
The continuation of the “Dune” franchise beyond Villeneuve’s involvement remains uncertain, particularly concerning the cast’s willingness to participate without him. Zendaya expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting her strong commitment to Villeneuve’s vision. “Any time Denis calls it’s a yes from me,” she said. Zendaya also shared her excitement for the future, emphasizing her respect for Villeneuve’s meticulous approach to the project.
Both “Dune” films are currently available for streaming on Max.
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