Dune 3: Everything We Know So Far

Dune is a word that evokes instant recognition, but it wasn’t always like that. When Frank Herbert penned the Dune Sci-Fi novels and had them published in the 1960s, the story gradually attracted a cult following over the years.

In recent times, the books’ movie adaptations have generated renewed interest in Herbert’s novels. Besides, the movies are outstanding in their own right. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the Dune movies have offered fans and sundry a chance to admire and appreciate the exquisitely detailed world created by Frank Herbert in the 60s.

Dune Movies Release Dates:

Dune: Part One – 2021
Dune: Part Two – 2024
Dune: Part Three – TBA

The story of Dune is one as old as time. Deceit, family, politics, greed, love, prophecy, and a spirit of discovery have collectively ensured the success of this story and its myriad characters.

If you’ve watched any of these movies or even read the original novels, you won’t be surprised why fans and critics alike have dubbed this franchise a Sci-Fi epic. If you wish to dive into the books but don’t know where to begin, Frank Herbert’s Dune novels are best read in the following order:

Dune (1965)
Dune Messiah (1969)
Children of Dune (1976)
God Emperor of Dune (1981)
Heretics of Dune (1984)
Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)

Official Announcement for Dune 3

Denis Villeneuve shared an update on Dune 3, revealing that the script for it is almost finished! From what we know so far, the Dune 3 script is going to adapt Frank Herbert’s third book “Dune: Messiah.”Time is definitely going to be required for us to receive any official confirmation on whether or not Dune 3 is going to go ahead at Warner Bros.

But so far, all lights seem to be glowing green. Or should we say, spice-beige?

Dune 2 Ending Explained

Dune: Part Two brought some mindblowing twists and iconic cinema moments that won’t soon be forgotten. The movie delivered bigtime, especially where it mattered, emulating all the necessary bits and pieces from the book.

Some viewers, however, were a tad confused by the ending. Those viewers did not the read the bookm, apparently. SPOILERS AHEAD! Catch a Shai-Hulud sandworm and ride on out of here if you don’t wish to know what happened in the Dune 2 finale.

Paul Atreides and the Fremen fought and won their revolution, establishing a thrilling and heartfelt victory for their oppressed people on Arrakis. But the fact of the matter is our hero Paul – played to outstanding effect by Timothée Chalamet – has become something of a villain.

This was quite in keeping with Herbet’s fiction-vision for this character. Both the book and the movie captured Paul Atreides’ motives in a distinctly meaningful light. In addition to saying yes to marrying Princess Irulan (played expertly by Florence Pugh), Paul Atreides also dispatched his Fremen army to initiate a holy war against the great houses.

Clearly, the big win on Arrakis was just the beginning. Remember those terrifying visions Paul used to see in Dune: Part One? The ending in Dune 2 made those visions come mostly true.

Where to Watch Dune 2

The Sci-Fi dystopia Dune: Part Two is currently playing in theatres. As of now, we do not when where Dune 2 will be streaming. Dune: Part One, however, is available to stream on Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies.

Dune 2 & 3 Google Trends Analysis

Google Trends was surprisingly secretive when it came to Dune: Part Two. There was an overwhelming spike in interest and then a gradual decline, but no consistent ups and downs defined the chart for Dune 2.

This is most probably due to the long gap (3-4 years) between the first movie and this sequel. In contrast, February and March 2024 showed remarkable spikes in interest for Dune: Part Three.

There already seems to be hype from fans all over the world as to where the story is going to go next under the capable hands of Denis Villeneuve.

Dune 2 & 3 Social Media Engagement

From memes and plot predictions to spoilers galore, the Dune movies have enjoyed (and still are) a noteworthy pop-culture presence on social media. With Dune: Part Two, Instagram, X, and Facebook were rife with intriguing and often-times creative posts from fans and everyday people.

First-reactions openly praised what Denis Villeneuve has been accomplishing with this franchise. Others, particularly diehard fans of Frank Herbert’s novels, did not appreciate some of the plot-detours that Denis took.

Nearly everyone praised the cinematography and direction, with many reverentially nodding their approval of the Dune 2 climax. Few can deny that the buzz generated on social media for Dune: Part Two played a pivotal role in the movie’s success.

In fact, that buzz is yet to die down, seeing as how online chatter has shifted to what may potentially unravel in Dune: Part Three.

Expected Plot of Dune 3

Let’s check out some of the key moments in Dune: Part Two that can give us a clear-ish idea on what to expect in the next movie. From not wedding his love Chani (played by Zendaya) to merging his house with that of Princess Irulan, Paul clearly had his eye on Emperor Shaddam IV’s empty throne.

This was despite the rebel victory that gave Paul complete control of the spice on Arrakis. So what gives? The book has the answer. His words to Irulan, “There’s my key” complemented his exchange with Chani, “We must obey the forms.” Paul Atreides was not just going to war with the other houses but against the system itself.

There has been a long-standing agenda to put a Bene Gesserit on the throne. Princess Irulan was being groomed for that secret privilege. In Dune: Part Two, we saw how Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam said, “There’s one way your family can remain in power.

Are you prepared?” to Irulan, thus cementing the fact that this agenda was still in the pipeline. By marrying her, Paul partially allied with the Bene Gesserit cause without making an enemy of them.

Paul was, apparently, aware of their game. His political move was a masterstroke in more ways than one. Chani’s heartbreak aside, her real fear was that Paul would proselytize her people, the Fremen.

Being viewed as their prophet was more than sufficient for Paul to stoke their own religious propaganda to his benefit. Chani was truly angry about this. Also, this became a major deviation that Denis decided to take, because it was not in Herbert’s book.

So, is Paul the bad guy? We may need to wait for Dune: Part Three to find out.

Top Characters in Dune 2

Dune: Part Two is rife with outstanding characters that define not only the story and script but also the direction in which their fates and destinies are going. Let’s see who the main characters are in Dune: Part Two.

1. Paul Atreides

The Duke of House Atreides once escaped House Harkonnen’s assassination attempt and later allied with the Fremen at Sietch Tabr. That’s where he met and fell for Chani. The Fremen took Paul to be their Kwisatz Haderach, a prophesied messiah of their people.

Paul proved to possess the prescient abilities of the Bene Gesserit clan. He could access ancestral memories regardless of his gender. Both traits fit into the Fremen’s messianic beliefs. Paul could also potentially bridge the gap between space and time.

There’s little wonder why the Fremen chose to follow Paul Atreides into battle and spark off a game-changing revolution.

Paul Atreides is played by Timothée Chalamet in the latest Dune movies.

2. Chani

Considered to be one of the finest warriors among the Fremen of Arrakis, Chani is as skilled as she is hopeful. She is gradually drawn to Paul Atreides and falls in love with him.

Her prior visions about the young man – visions she saw long before the two of them even met – add to the distinct bond they share. Their romance blooms in earnest in Dune 2.

However, where Chani used to have complete belief in the messianic prophecy surrounding Paul, the second movie sees her doubting the young man’s unique role among her people.

Chani is played by Zendaya in the latest Dune movies.

3. Lady Jessica

Some fans are already calling her the MVP of Dune: Part Two, and for good reason. The true love and consort of the late Duke Leto Atreides, Lady Jessica is Paul Atreides’ mother as well as a skilled Bene Gesserit sister.

The Order itself believes her to possess extraordinary farsight abilities. After finding herself at Sietch Tabr, Lady Jessica gets through her pregnancy and attains the status of Reverend Mother among the local Fremen people.

Her drinking the poisonous conscious-altering Water of Life earned her the Fremen’s respect. She goes on to use her abilities and rhetoric to amplify support for Paul and the revolution.

Lady Jessica is played by Rebecca Ferguson in the latest Dune movies.

4. Gurney Halleck

Having served House Atreides at its weaponsmaster and having trained Paul Atreides in the art of combat, Gurney Halleck proved himself an essential member of the family. He too survived the secret Harkonnen assault and now stands fast against the dark forces of House Harkonnen.

In Dune: Part Two, Gurney Halleck reunites with Paul Atreides and lends his support and expertise to the young duke. In fact, he goes one step further and advises Paul to take advantage of the Fremen’s religious belief in his messianic legacy.

Gurney Halleck is played by Josh Brolin in the latest Dune movies.

5. Feyd-Rautha

An integral villain in Dune: Part Two, Feyd-Rautha unleashes rage, martial prowess, and bloody vengeance in equal measure as he goes up against the Fremen and what remains of House Atreides.

He is the adopted heir and youngest nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. As psychotic as he is seductive, Feyd-Rautha is ever-watched by the Bene Gesserit Order who are convinced he is a greater threat than people think.

The power hungry Feyd-Rautha is desirous of winning against the Fremen for reasons that are more than merely political.

Feyd-Rautha is played by Austin Butler in the latest Dune movies.

6. Princess Irulan Corrino

Emperor Shaddam IV Corrino’s eldest daughter and sole heir, the beautiful and wise Princess Irulan seems to have her destiny tied to that of Paul Atreides. She is trained in supernatural abilities by the Bene Gesserit sisters and later contributes to the cause of her people in impactful ways.

Though quiet and abiding, she wields a calculative nature that combines exceptionally well with her Bene Gesserit borne skills and penchant for diplomacy.

Princess Irulan Corrino is played by Florence Pugh in the latest Dune movies.

7. Lady Margot Fenring

A talented member of the Bene Gesserit Order, Lady Margot Fenring is not only close to the Emperor but is also his dear friend. She aids House Harkonnen to the best of her ability and spends time on their home-planet of Giedi Prime.

However, Lady Margot Fenring secretly carries out a mission connected to Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen. She and na-Baron seem to have a fruitful plan in the pipeline.

Lady Margot Fenring is played by Léa Seydoux in the latest Dune movies.

8. Alia Atreides

Sister to Paul Atreides, the daughter of Jessica and the late Leto Atreides is, in truth, an unborn child gifted with superior sentience. She somehow seemed to be communicating with Lady Jessica while still in the womb.

Alia Atreides is played by Anya Taylor-Joy in the latest Dune movies.

9. Stilgar

The Fremen call him their leader and he has certainly earned that title. Stilgar leads the tribe at Sietch Tabr and shows great devotion to Paul Atreides, particularly the prophecy about the young duke being the Fremen messiah.

Stilgar completely believes that Paul is the fabled Lisan al Ghaib and will one day deliver the Fremen to freedom.

Stilgar is played by Javier Bardem in the latest Dune movies.

10. Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam

The stern but wise leader of the Bene Gesserit Order, Gaius Helen Mohiam fulfils the role of the clan’s Reverend Mother on one side and the Emperor’s truthsayer on the other.

She plays vital roles in the lives of Lady Jessica, Princess Irulan Corrino, and Paul Atreides himself.

Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam is played by Charlotte Rampling in the latest Dune movies.

11. Baron Vladimir Harkonnen

The big-bad villain of the Dune movies is Baron Vladimir of House Harkonnen. He starts to scheme in earnest after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt on his person. The late Leto Atreides was behind that retaliatory move, and now the baron is out for blood.

Ironic, because he was the one who’d sent spies to end the line of House Atreides in the first place. The Baron unceasingly pushes his adopted heir and nephew Feyd-Rautha to produce results at whatever cost.

His aim is to subjugate the Fremen people, halt their rebel uprising, and enforce complete power on Arrakis.

Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is played by Stellan Skarsgård in the latest Dune movies.

Important Crew Members in Dune 2

A grand Sci-Fi epic like Dune deserves, nay demands, the united effort of industry masterminds, skilled technicians, and detail-driven staff. Let’s check out some of the core names who played integral BTS roles in Dune: Part Two.

1. Denis Villeneuve – Director

This talented French Canadian film director and writer is known for creating some of the most sublime and awe-inspiring moments in recent cinema. Aside from his masterful work directing the latest Dune movie remakes, Denis has helmed acclaimed films like Arrival, Incendies, Sicario, Enemy, Prisoners, and Polytechnique.

2. Jon Spaihts – Screenplay Writer

This American screenwriter and author had to be at the top of his game to adapt the Dune novels. No detail was too small and no stone was left unturned in bringing Dune: Part Two to life.

Jon is also known for his work on movie projects like Passengers, Doctor Strange, and Prometheus.

3. Frank Herbert – Original Author

This name has gone down in Science Fiction history as one of the legends who crafted a story that will stand the test of time. Herbert’s Dune novels have indeed weathered every storm to retain their prestige as one of the golden benchmarks of Sci-Fi fiction.

4. Hans Zimmer – Musical Scorer

This name needs no introduction. Hans is no stranger to scoring epic soundtracks for high-end films. His work in The Lion King (original animation), Face/Off, Antz, Gladiator, Matchstick Men, The Last Samurai, Batman Begins, Iron Man, The Dark Knight, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Interstellar, Blade Runner 2049, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Wonder Woman 1984, and Damsel speak volumes on his behalf.

5. Greig Fraser – Cinematographer

This brilliant crew member found renewed respect after his work on Matt Reeves’ The Batman. Other movies like The Creator, Vice, Lion, Zero Dark Thirty, Snow White and the Huntsman, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and TV series like The Mandalorian further elevated his repute among fans.

6. Jacqueline West – Costume Designer

Costumes are an integral part of every movie, especially one as grand as Dune. Jacqueline captained all the costume design work in Dune (both Parts 1 and 2). Her previous projects include highly acclaimed movies like Killers of the Flower Moon, The Revenant, Argo, Water for Elephants, The Social Network, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Top 3 Movies Like Dune

This is going to be a challenging order to fulfil. After all, how do you even recommend anything that comes close to Dune? Instead, we shall offer you a few similarities that rove in the general direction of a movie franchise as intricate and golden as Dune.

1. Star Wars Saga

All the titles comprising this mega-franchise have left an indelible mark on the cinema landscape. A veritable galaxy – we kid you not! – awaits you in the Star Wars movies.

If you ever feel the urge to escape to a “Galaxy Far, Far, Away,” this recommendation is for you. Did you know the Star Wars movies were deeply inspired by Frank Herbert’s first Dune novel?

George Lucas took plenty of notes from Dune before embarking on his script-journey. Today, the Star Wars franchise boasts eleven feature films, one hit live-action series, and an admirable animated universe.

The Star Wars movies are available to stream on Disney+.

2. The Matrix Trilogy

As dystopias and dark tech-driven futures go, few franchises can beat what The Matrix series of films accomplished. The first movie, especially, is still gold and holds a distinct place in the hearts of fans.

Where the sequels Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions were passably good, the first movie in the trilogy remains one of the most talked-about and epic Sci-Fi stories ever shot.

The Matrix movies are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

3. The Lord of the Rings Franchise

A glorious testament to ingenious filmmaking and brilliant cinematic storytelling, few people in the world will disagree with us when we say The Lord of the Rings franchise certainly “rules them all.” From being an Oscar favourite to informing the creative decisions of an entire generation of filmmakers, this epic fantasy series adapted from J.R. R. Tolkien’s magnificent literary works is, to put it simply, the stuff of legend.