Denis Villeneuve Aims for Dune 3, Won’t Call It a Trilogy

Denis Villeneuve has charted his course for leaving the world of Arrakis behind. The director is gearing up to create a third and concluding installment titled Dune Messiah. Although often referred to in tandem with Dune 3, Villeneuve resists labeling his adaptations as part of a trilogy.

“It’s crucial for people to realize that, for me, this has been more of a diptych,” Villeneuve expressed in a recent chat with Vanity Fair. “It truly represents a pair of films that together adapt the first book. That part is over and complete. If I do venture into a third film, which is currently in the writing stages, it won’t be a typical trilogy. It’s an odd statement, but returning to this universe would mean creating something distinct with its unique essence.”

He has been quite candid about his desire to bring Dune Messiah to life. This novel, penned by Frank Herbert, takes place a dozen years after the story of Dune. It follows Emperor Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides grappling with the repercussions of a jihad that has claimed 61 million lives. How does Villeneuve plan to address the significant time leap with the actors?

“That’s my challenge,” Villeneuve remarked. “But I have a plan for it.”

Beyond Dune Messiah, there are additional novels in the Dune series, such as Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune. However, Villeneuve has no intentions of adapting these subsequent stories for cinema. He does feel that another director might expand upon Herbert’s intricate universe.

“If Dune Messiah comes to fruition, it will mark many years on Arrakis for me, and I would appreciate the opportunity to explore new projects,” Villeneuve said. “It might be wise for me to plant seeds in Messiah that could inspire someone else to carry the story forward. These are wonderful books that can be challenging to adapt due to their increasingly esoteric nature. While I’m not planning to do it myself, I won’t shut the door on the possibility for someone else.”

The films Dune and Dune: Part Two are currently available to stream on Max.