‘Dune 3’ Gets Its Official Title – And It’s Not ‘Dune Messiah’

Denis Villeneuve’s films, Dune and the upcoming Dune: Part Two, are split adaptations of Frank Herbert’s original Dune novel into two cinematic parts. While many expected that Villeneuve’s adaptation of Herbert’s second Dune book, titled Dune Messiah, would bear the same name and plot, this assumption is not necessarily accurate.

Maybe not.

As reported by Variety, the upcoming movie directed by Denis Villeneuve, which will take us back to Arrakis, has been officially named “Dune: Part Three”. Previous speculations referred to this film as “Dune Messiah”, a reference to the 1969 book from Frank Herbert that serves as its basis. The storyline follows Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides as he assumes the role of emperor, and on Rentrak, it is listed as “Dune: Part Three”.

In marketing terms, that choice is perfectly logical. The movie “Dune: Part Two” was a huge box-office hit and ended on a cliffhanger, with Timothée Chalamet’s character Paul Atreides becoming the Emperor of the Universe. Titling the next film as “Dune: Part Three” gives the impression that it is a direct sequel to the first two parts that audiences enjoyed; calling it “Dune Messiah” might have suggested a completely new story with some of the same cast, which could have been less appealing, even though it would technically be accurate.

It’s anticipated that “Dune: Part Three” will hit theaters towards the end of 2026. Production for the movie is scheduled to start soon. Actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Jason Momoa are likely to rejoin their roles from the previous “Dune” movies.

The Best Sci-Fi Films of the Last 10 Years (2015-2024)

10. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

James Gunn skillfully concluded his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy by blending blockbuster aspects flawlessly. The film offered a perfect combination of high-octane action, quirky extraterrestrial visuals, and deeply engaging characters that left viewers deeply invested. By the finale of Vol. 3, Bradley Cooper’s Rocket evolved from a Marvel secondary character to one of their most intriguing and sorrowful heroes. In contrast to the average Marvel productions, Gunn made creating an MCU film appear effortless, infusing an unconventional sci-fi narrative with the rarest qualities in films about sentient raccoons – a touch of humanity.

9. The Wild Robot (2024)

Discussing the unexpected emotional depth: It’s hard to imagine a parent remaining dry-eyed throughout at least one (or eight) instances while watching “The Wild Robot,” a stunningly beautiful and poignant animated sci-fi tale from DreamWorks. This story centers around an advanced robot, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, who lands on an island populated by animals. The robot follows its programming instructions by nurturing an orphaned gosling as a mother figure. With picturesque landscapes and clever wit, “The Wild Robot” delivers a profound message about our world and the significance of every creature, regardless of size.

8. The Substance (2024)

This Cronenbergian blend of sci-fi, horror, and comedy centers around an aging television star, portrayed by Demi Moore in one of her most exhilarating roles in years. She experiments with a strange drug known as “The Substance,” which transforms her into a youthful counterpart (Margaret Qualley), ready to rejuvenate her acting career on screen.

This thrilling ride of a movie is certain to be enjoyable on Blu-ray or streaming platforms. However, if you didn’t catch it in theaters, you’ve missed an extraordinary experience. Witnessing it among a packed audience, collectively discovering the extent to which writer/director Coralie Fargeat was prepared to push her allegory about the absurd beauty standards in the entertainment industry, was a truly breathtaking sight. (Spoiler alert: She went extremely far.)

7. Godzilla Minus One (2023)

In a surprising turn, the prequel to Godzilla was not only logical but brilliantly executed. By setting Godzilla in post-World War II Japan once more, it reinstated the original monster’s role as a chilling symbol of atomic terror and war-induced psychological trauma. Let me assure you, this Godzilla is truly terrifying. He is massive, appearing ill, and his atomic breath is genuinely frightening. However, Godzilla Minus One is more than just a spectacle; it features a human protagonist (Ryunosuke Kamiki) who is both compelling and flawed, and it delves into complex themes about kamikaze pilots that permeate the narrative and culminate in an emotionally heavy decision. There’s even a part that seems to have been lifted from a Howard Hawks film about a group of seasoned sailors battling a colossal nuclear-powered dinosaur, and if that doesn’t sound captivating, it’s because words can’t fully capture how remarkable it is.

6. Ex Machina (2015)

In the contemporary science fiction movie sphere, few creators have made as significant an impression as Alex Garland, who penned the films “Sunshine” and “Dredd,” and made his directorial debut with the thought-provoking masterpiece “Ex Machina.” This film offers a compelling exploration of the ever-blurring boundary between humanity and technology. A gifted programmer (Oscar Isaac) creates the world’s first artificial intelligence, giving it a sleek female form (Alicia Vikander). He enlists an inexperienced colleague (Domhnall Gleeson) to evaluate its capabilities.

At first glance, this appears to be a straightforward contest of wits. However, as the story unfolds, Garland’s intricate plot reveals layers hidden beneath the surface. The roles of hero and villain are not easily defined, changing from scene to scene, and even from viewer to viewer. In Garland’s chilling portrayal, it seems only a matter of time before robots surpass us. And maybe that’s exactly when it should happen.

5. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

In a remarkable feat, Blade Runner 2049 continued the saga of one of history’s cherished science-fiction tales without clarifying the enigma that made the original so captivating. Director Denis Villeneuve masterfully expanded upon Ridley Scott’s vision of a future in decay, seamlessly blending updated technology with the original’s distinctive aesthetic. Harrison Ford delivered an emotional performance, particularly noteworthy as Rick Deckard in Blade Runner 2049, which seems to echo one of the film’s core themes: In even the darkest times, there’s always a chance for redemption.

4. Annihilation (2018)

When someone claims a science fiction movie gives them goosebumps, it’s often figurative. However, in my case, “Annihilation” made me feel genuinely uneasy in my body. Adapted from the renowned novel by Jeff VanderMeer, this film chronicles a military team venturing into “The Shimmer,” an unusual region in Florida that was altered three years ago by the arrival of a strange meteor. Similar to his work in “Ex Machina,” director Alex Garland employs science fiction as a means to reflect humanity — a theme he visually presents in the unsettling climax of “Annihilation.” The movie is reminiscent of the grotesque yet beautiful remains Natalie Portman and her team discover plastered on a wall within the ever-changing alien landscape of the Shimmer: Repulsive and enchanting simultaneously.

3. Nope (2022)

In a more contemporary context, the work of filmmaker Jordan Peele stands out as exceptional. Although he isn’t the first to blend aesthetically pleasing sci-fi with chilling horror, or to use these genres as metaphors for real-world problems, his films are a rare gem in today’s movie landscape, which predominantly features sequels, remakes, and high-octane action movies. With Hoyte van Hoytema as the cinematographer, Peele seamlessly transitions between breathtaking Western vistas and haunting scenes of terror that will leave viewers with unforgettable memories – not just visuals, but also the profound sounds he employs.

2. Dune (2021)

Reading Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the first half of Frank Herbert’s classic sci-fi novel, “Dune,” instantly transformed me into a diehard fan. The film embodies the grandeur and vision that book enthusiasts have always claimed sets it apart. Watching this movie finally made me grasp why countless readers have been captivated by its story. Villeneuve managed to take on a challenging novel that has left many esteemed directors at a loss, and he crafted something coherent, visually stunning, and imbued with the raw power of the desert. The sequel, “Dune: Part Two” (scheduled for release in 2024), was equally impressive.

1. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Mad Max: Fury Road, released within the last decade, stands as one of the best science fiction films, possibly even of this century. The action sequences are undeniably impressive, but what truly sets it apart is its profound spiritual and even Biblical themes. It’s a modern-day exodus narrative, following a band of courageous women led by the legendary Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), guided through the wasteland by a mad prophet, Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy). While Max may help them find safety, he himself cannot share in their salvation. George Miller’s masterful chaos demonstrates that blockbuster sci-fi can be both exhilarating and intellectually stimulating. If anyone attempts to persuade you otherwise, simply look them in the eye and say, ‘That’s a red herring.’

2025-07-09 21:25