5 Things Dune Fans Are Most Excited to See in Dune: Part Three

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The hugely popular sci-fi series Dune currently has two films out, with director Denis Villeneuve planning to complete the story soon. The third movie, Dune: Part Three, will follow Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as he navigates the challenges of being Emperor. He’ll have to face the fallout from the war fought in his name, deal with political rivals, and grapple with questions about his future and the cost of his power. This final installment will focus on the difficulties of maintaining power, rather than simply achieving it, and the heavy consequences of becoming a legend.

Given the incredible story so far, it’s no wonder fans are eagerly anticipating the next film and expecting a truly grand experience. Those familiar with Dune believe this new installment could be the most intense and surprising one yet. So, what can we look forward to in Dune: Part Three? Here’s a look at what everyone’s most excited about.

5) Alia and What She Is Capable Of

Before Dune: Part Two came out, everyone was talking about Alia (Anya Taylor-Joy). Because the movie covers the second half of the first book – where she’s a really important, almost prophetic child – we were all wondering how Villeneuve would handle her. He ended up showing her briefly in one of Paul’s prescience visions, and now, with Dune: Part Three on the way, it looks like she’s going to be a major force. What’s so fascinating about Alia isn’t just that she’s Paul’s sister, but that she’s one of those elements in Dune that just feels…off. She doesn’t become someone; she’s born already fully formed, and that’s genuinely unsettling.

The upcoming film skips over Alia’s childhood, but the trailer hints at how formidable she’ll be. She seems poised to be the most unpredictable character – incredibly powerful, intelligent, and potentially unstable. Viewers can anticipate exploring the darkest aspects of Dune Messiah, possibly even more intensely, as Anya Taylor-Joy has indicated Alia will do anything for Paul. This suggests a level of fanatical loyalty that could drive her to extreme and unsettling behavior.

4) Scytale Manipulating Paul

Paul already faces numerous enemies, with Baron Vladimir and his nephew Feyd-Rautha being the most significant threats so far. However, in the next film, Dune: Part Three, a new character named Scytale, played by Robert Pattinson, will emerge as a potentially even greater danger. Scytale presents a different kind of threat – he doesn’t focus on direct warfare, but on psychological manipulation and dismantling his opponents from within. This is especially effective because he’s a Face Dancer, meaning he can perfectly imitate anyone’s appearance.

This character really shifts the new movie into high-stakes thriller territory. It’s not going to be a simple fight where Paul easily wins or loses; instead, he’ll face impossible choices that could lead to his destruction. In Dune Messiah, Paul becomes incredibly powerful, but he’s still trapped by political maneuvering. Scytale is central to this, acting as an enemy who seems to offer help, only for it to be too late when you understand his true motives. Essentially, Scytale will likely make Paul feel genuinely threatened and vulnerable in Dune: Part Three.

3) Leto II and Ghanima

Despite director Denis Villeneuve’s statements that he won’t continue the Dune series past a third film, the casting of Nakoa-Wolf Momoa as Leto II and Ida Brooke as Ghanima has sparked a lot of discussion. These characters don’t appear until the third book, Children of Dune, suggesting a larger scope than initially planned. While their exact roles are unknown, the introduction of Paul and Chani’s (Zendaya) children dramatically changes the story’s focus. It moves beyond a simple tale of power and decline, and explores the consequences of trying to control destiny – and the potentially frightening results when a new generation reacts to that control. Leto and Ghanima aren’t just added characters; they are a direct consequence of Paul’s actions after becoming Emperor.

We might see them in a closing scene, or perhaps through a flashback. Either way, Leto II and Ghanima have the power to become the central focus, even unintentionally. They represent the future of the Atreides family, and their story is already spinning out of control. This is exactly the kind of development that excites Dune fans, as it hints at an even grander scope for the series beyond the first two films. While Dune: Part Two focused on Paul becoming a legendary figure, Leto II and Ghanima deal with the difficult consequences of that legend. Even if they don’t take center stage, their presence feels like a powerful and fitting conclusion to the saga and a natural progression for Paul’s story.

2) The Ending of Paul’s Story Arc

One of the biggest questions surrounding Paul’s story is how it will conclude. Dune Messiah isn’t about providing a satisfying resolution; it’s designed to be unsettling and unexpected. The Paul who becomes Emperor isn’t a traditional hero—he’s a character who discovers, too late, that having ultimate power doesn’t bring freedom. What’s particularly tragic is that he foresaw this outcome but still allowed it to happen. This makes the book’s original ending very moving, and fans are eager to see if Villeneuve will remain true to it in the film adaptation.

Given the current direction, Dune: Part Three seems likely to conclude the story in a thoughtful and satisfying way, particularly since the director has indicated he aligns with Frank Herbert’s original vision for Paul and the story’s core themes. If that happens, the trilogy could be unusual for a large-scale blockbuster – potentially leaving audiences feeling uneasy, deeply impacted, and without a simple, happy resolution. The story is heading towards Paul understanding he’s become a tool of the very religion he created, and that his empire isn’t a glorious kingdom, but a confining trap. While this suggests a somewhat bleak ending, it could still be incredibly powerful and visually stunning. The big question now is whether Villeneuve will actually take that risk.

1) The Return of Duncan Idaho

For book lovers, Duncan’s return is a huge deal. Jason Momoa brings incredible energy to the role, and the story simply felt less vibrant without him. Plus, his return isn’t just a cameo – it’s a significant plot point in the books. Now, the mystery is whether this Duncan is the real one, or an imitation. And even more intriguing: what’s the purpose of bringing him back? That’s what makes Dune: Part Three so compelling.

Duncan’s return is a smart move for the film, fitting the darker, more suspenseful direction it’s taking. It’s more than just a fan-pleasing moment; it’s a deliberate plot point designed to emotionally challenge Paul and show him the lengths people will go to. Without giving too much away, Duncan will serve as a powerful emotional catalyst, slowly breaking Paul down internally – similar to how Scytale affected him. The film demonstrates that overwhelming force isn’t always necessary to defeat someone. In Dune: Part Three, expect Duncan to be a standout character and emphasize a key theme: sometimes, the return of a lost loved one is all it takes to cause everything to crumble.

Dune: Part 3 hits theaters on December 18.

What are you most excited to see in the new movie? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-29 23:18