The stakes are higher than ever in Dune: Part Three, and not just because of the Holy War. In the final trailer for Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated threequel, Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya) are both torn between loyalties, their bond with each other, and personal struggles as the former descends into a full-on villain – a stark contrast to the heroic figure portrayed in the first two films.
The explosive clip opens with Paul using the Bene Gesserit voice power to demand Irulan (Florence Pugh) tell him what she knows, revealing Chani’s involvement in an assassination attempt against him. “After years of combat, I’ve become the oppressor Chani had sworn to fight. I’m the enemy,” says Paul to Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho, who also appeared alongside a blood-drenched Alia Atreides (Anya Taylor-Joy) in a previous trailer.
Joining Chani – and likely pulling the strings behind the scenes – in the uprising is Robert Pattinson’s Scytale, setting the stage for things to end on an emotional turn amid the throes of war and sandworm spectacle. Set nearly two decades after the Harkonnens’ defeat in the second movie, the sequel is based Dune: Messiah by Frank Herbert but will likely deviate from the events in the novel, Chani’s role chief among them.
“Now a ruthless Emperor, Paul must face the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge, and betrayal lurks in every shadow,” reads the official synopsis. “Haunted by visions of Imperial collapse and the reappearance of his long-lost love, Paul is drawn into a sweeping conspiracy, with Chani at the heart of its unfolding mystery. As rebellion brews and enemies close in, Paul must confront the true cost of power and the fate of those he loves the most.”
Other notable cast members include Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem, who return as Lady Jessica and Fremen leader Stilgar, respectively; Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam; Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot; and franchise newcomers Isaach De Bankolé (Farok), Nakoa-Wolf Momoa (Leto II Atreides), and Ida Brooke (Ghanima Atreides). Villeneuve is, of course, in the director’s seat and also co-wrote the screenplay with Brian K. Vaughan, with renowned composer Hans Zimmer handling the score.
After wrapping Paul’s story, the filmmaker will turn his attention to the next James Bond movie in the works at Amazon, which is expected to begin shooting in 2027. Peaky Blinders scribe Steven Knight is writing the screenplay, and no actor has been attached yet, but Jack Lowden of Slow Horses fame is reportedly in the running to take over the 007 role.
Dune: Part Three is slated for theatrical release on 18 December, the same day as Avengers: Doomsday.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
