Robert Pattinson Rumored for Third ‘Dune’ Movie

If he makes a deal, Pattinson will join the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Zendaya in the new ‘Dune’ outing, directed by Denis Villeneuve.

(Left) Robert Pattinson in 'Tenet'. Photo: Warner Bros. (Right) Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure 'Dune: Part Two,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Preview:

‘Dune’ director Denis Villeneuve is considering Robert Pattinson for the third movie.
Right now, no formal offer has been made.
The likes of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Florence Pugh would return.

Having changed his mind about taking a break from the rugged, wind-whipped dunes of Arrakis following ‘Dune: Part Two,’ Denis Villeneuve has actively begun putting the pieces together for a third ‘Dune' outing.

Dune: Part Three

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Paul Atreides, now Emperor Muad’Dib, navigates his immense power while battling political foes and a conspiracy within his circle. As House Atreides faces collapse,... Read the Plot

It’s not entirely surprising, since The first ‘Dune’ released day-and-date on streaming in 2021 amid the pandemic, earned $410 million globally, while 2024’s follow-up brought in $714.6 million globally.

But while Villeneuve looked to be pivoting to another big movie, he’s since confirmed that his focus is now the next ‘Dune,’ likely ‘Dune: Messiah,’ adapting the next book in Frank Herbert’s sprawling novel series.

Director Denis Villeneuve on the 'Dune: Part Two' global press tour. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

And according to Deadline, the filmmaker now has his eye on a big name to join the cast: Robert Pattinson.

The actor, known for the ‘Twilight’ franchise and a host of other work since (including the title role in ‘The Batman’) is the subject of interest from Villeneuve and backers Legendary for a key role.

We’d be remiss at this point, if we didn’t point out that this is far from a done deal; in fact, no offer has been made. Yet The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Pattinson is circling the role of the chief villain in the film, one that is possibly Scytale from the Herbert stories.

In case you’ve never cracked the books, he’s a Tleilaxu Face Dancer who participates in the conspiracy to topple the rule of Paul Atreides.

What’s happening with ‘Dune Messiah’?

(L to R) Director / Writer / Producer Denis Villeneuve and Timothee Chalamet on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure 'Dune: Part Two,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise. Copyright: © 2024 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The new ‘Dune’ would continue the story of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, who has a powerful and dark destiny to become ruler of the various worlds.

Villeneuve has been clear, however, that this won’t be the third part of a trilogy.

This is what the director said last year:

“First, it’s important that people understand that for me, it was really a diptych. It was really a pair of movies that will be the adaptation of the first book. That’s done and that’s finished. If I do a third one, which is in the writing process, it’s not like a trilogy. 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.”

Villeneuve has been working on the script with regular collaborator Jon Spaihts.

Who will be in ‘Dune: Messiah’?

Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan in Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure 'Dune: Part Two,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Given where the story goes, it’s seemingly a given that stars Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Zendaya will all return, since Paul Atreides, Princess and Irulan and Chani all feature in the ongoing narrative, not the least because their love/power triangle will be a key part of it.

Also likely to come back? We’d expect Anya Taylor-Joy's Alia Atreides: Paul's sister, a powerful figure in the Bene Gesserit, who was in just one scene in ‘Dune: Part Two,’ but has an expanded role to play going forward.

Plus Javier Bardem’s Fremen leader Stilgar.

And that’s not all…

Who else will –– spoiler alert! –– be back for the third ‘Dune’ movie?

Jason Momoa in 'Dune'. Photo: Warner Bros.

We’re putting this one in its own section, since it constitutes a spoiler and we don’t want anyone who hasn’t read the ‘Dune’ books to have their enjoyment curtailed.

During a recent interview, Jason Momoa revealed that his sword master and mentor Duncan Idaho would be back for the new movie, despite his character dying in the first one.

Here’s what Momoa said on ‘Today’:

“I’m making a comeback. You heard it first, right here with you, baby! Well, I’m not sure if I’m going to get in trouble or not, but it’s the same thing like ‘Game of Thrones’, you know what I mean? If you didn’t read the books, it’s not my fault, right? Yeah, there’s going to be… I’m going to be coming back.”

For the record, and again, spoiler alert: in one of the later books of Frank Herbert’s series, Duncan comes back as a clone.

What else is Robert Pattinson working on?

(L to R) Robert Pattinson as Mickey 18 and Robert Pattinson as Mickey 17 in 'Mickey 17,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2025 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Pattinson was most recently on screens in Bong Joon Ho’s new sci-fi satire ‘Mickey 17’ about a man who serves on a spaceship who is replaced with a clone of himself every time he dies on board. The film was not a success at the box office.

He’s also worked on Lynne Ramsey’s new comedy horror drama ‘Die, My Love,’ opposite Jennifer Lawrence and has filmed romantic movie ‘The Drama.’

Right now, the actor is at work on Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ for Universal.

And, of course, there is his other big Warners job, Matt Reeves’ long-gestating ‘The Batman’ sequel, which should kick off filming at the end of this year, though it has been through several delays already while Reeves works on the script.

But if Pattinson is able to squeeze in a trip to Arrakis –– assuming he does lock into the movie –– this summer, that would mean him being on set for three giant movies this year alone.

When will the third ‘Dune’ movie touch down in theaters?

Neither Warner Bros. nor Legendary has made any statement about the release date for the new movie.

While Warners had been holding a December 2026 slot for a Villeneuve movie, but that would seem a very tough turnaround for something on the level of a ‘Dune,’ especially when production is only scheduled for later this summer. But watch this space!

A scene from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure 'Dune: Part Two,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures. Copyright: © 2023 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.