In a recent insider report, fans got a sneak peek at the four primary characters expected in “Dune 3”, along with an unexpected absence that might spark some strong reactions. The third installment of “Dune” directed by Denis Villeneuve, following the success of “Dune: Part Two” in 2024, was announced swiftly. This upcoming film will adapt the second book in Frank Herbert’s acclaimed sci-fi series, “Dune: Messiah”. Despite the complex narrative of “Messiah”, it’s anticipated that familiar, beloved characters from the first book will still be present.
In a recent podcast discussion, experts Jeff Sneider and John Rocha disclosed fresh details about the upcoming Dune 3 film, revealing potential main characters. While many of the named figures were anticipated, one notable absence from their list of key actors may spark curiosity among fans.
During the June 5, 2025 episode of “The Hot Mic” podcast, it was discussed that Denis Villeneuve’s third “Dune” film may be in development, with experienced journalists revealing the potential main actors for the upcoming movie.
In December 2026, the much-anticipated third installment of Dune is scheduled to hit theaters. This month promises a cinematic feast with other blockbusters like Avengers: Doomsday and Shrek 5 also set to release. Renowned director Denis Villeneuve, who has been nominated for four Academy Awards, will once again take the helm for this film adaptation, expanding the storyline beyond the original Dune book.
Instead, the third installment, titled Dune 3, will be based on the intricate narrative of Dune: Messiah, the 1969 sequel to the extensive Dune series. In this novel, we find ourselves over a decade past the events of the initial book/film, as Paul Atreides (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet in the movies) makes an unexpected proclamation, declaring himself a prophesied savior, which sets off a chain of unforeseen consequences.
Every Reported Main Character in Dune 3
Paul Atreides
Following his central role in the first two Dune films, it’s likely that Timothée Chalamet’s character Paul Atreides will play a crucial part in Dune 3. However, his storyline in the upcoming movie may deviate somewhat from how he was portrayed in Part One and Part Two.
As a passionate film enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming adaptation of “Dune Messiah,” the third book in the Dune series. In the narrative, the once-beloved hero Paul Atreides transforms into a ruthless tyrant, embracing the Messiah role he assumes towards the end of the second movie. During their latest podcast discussion, Roch and Sneider pondered over this transformation, wondering if Paul truly embodies the leading character in “Dune: Messiah,” or if he’s become something else entirely.
As a fellow admirer of sci-fi tales, I’ve been following some intriguing speculations about the third installment. From what I understand, this narrative might revolve around my character’s journey towards assuming a messianic role, with potential consequences that could backfire spectacularly. Given Timothée Chalamet’s immense popularity, it seems likely that his part will be significantly amplified, transforming him from the traditional morally unblemished lead into a hero whose actions are fraught with moral ambiguity, a departure from the saint-like protagonists prevalent in contemporary Hollywood storytelling.
Princess Irulan
Many viewers were taken aback to find Florence Pugh, known for her recent work in Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts,” in a relatively small role in “Dune: Part Two.” However, it appears that this may have been due to the fact that she is expected to play a much larger part in the third movie. In the third film, she will portray Princess Irulan, the eldest daughter of Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV, the 81st Padishah Emperor.
From a cinephile’s perspective, I find myself drawn to Princess Irulan in “Dune: Messiah.” Being the wife of the new tyrant emperor Paul, she becomes an integral figure in the narrative from its onset. The enigmatic Bene Gesserit sisters, her kin, have strategically placed her by his side, hoping that after years of his oppressive rule, she may one day rise to depose him.
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Irulan’s role was significantly expanded and became more substantial in ‘Part Three’, even earning her a place among the main leads. As the holy war in ‘Messiah’ intensifies, we can expect Irulan to emerge as a strong voice of opposition against her formidable husband, providing an exciting new dimension for a character who was previously under-explored in ‘Dune: Part Two’.
Duncan Idaho
As a cinephile who’s particularly fond of Jason Momoa’s work, I must say that his portrayal of Duncan Idaho might come as an unexpected delight for those only familiar with the Dune movies. While many fans remember the heart-wrenching end of Ginaz Swordsman in the first Dune film – meeting his untimely demise during the Harkonnen siege on Arkeen, Momoa’s character surprisingly reappears and plays a crucial role in Dune: Messiah.
In their discussion about the movie, Rocha and Sneider referred to Jason Momoa’s character Duncan Idaho as a significant protagonist, sharing screen time with Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan. Sneider explained that in the original novel, Duncan Idaho was initially presented as Paul’s companion, similar to a pet, but later transformed into his combat ally. Additionally, they hinted at the possibility of a romantic connection between Duncan and Alia (played by Anya Taylor-Joy), who is introduced as Paul’s new sister in the film.
Although Sneider may be right about the overall rhythm of Momoa’s character in the third film, there’s far more depth to explore with Duncan Idaho’s tale in Dune 3. In Dune: Messiah, Duncan is resurrected in a synthetic body (a ghola) and presented to Emperor Paul as a gift. Yet, covertly, he has been programmed to assassinate Chalamet’s Fremen leader when his rule becomes too harsh for the galaxy.
Alia Atreides
The fourth and final of the four primary characters as outlined by Sneider and Rocha is Anya Taylor-Joy’s character, Alia Atreides. In the upcoming film Dune: Part Two, she will make her entrance through a peculiar vision, portraying Paul’s unborn sister. It’s anticipated that Taylor-Joy will play a substantial role in Dune: Part Three. Interestingly, Sneider suggested herself that her character will have an expanded part in the upcoming movie, following a brief appearance in the previous installment.
In the novel “Dune: Messiah”, Alia makes her appearance and plays a vital role in the inner affairs of House Attreides, starting from where “Dune: Part Two” concludes. During this initial phase, she develops romantic feelings for Duncan Idaho, who is currently living under the enigmatic identity of Hayt – a present bestowed upon House Atreides by the Bene Tleilax royal family.
Yet, Alia’s narrative undergoes a shift as she is overtaken by the recollections of her forebear, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. This results in her repeating Duncan Idaho’s demise and aligning herself with the faction aiming to dethrone her brother.
Chani
In the upcoming film Dune 3, Zendaya’s character, Chani, was not mentioned as a main character. Previously in the Dune films, Zendaya’s role has been significant, essentially sharing the lead with Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two. However, according to Jeff Sneider and John Rocha, her screen time in Dune: [Messiah] might be limited, similar to the brief appearance she is rumored to have in the upcoming Spider-Man 4.
In an unusual turn, the closing scene for viewers in Dune: Part Two depicted Zendaya’s character Chani standing atop an Arrakian dune as she watched Paul and his royal entourage depart from the planet, heavily emphasizing her perspective on Paul’s acceptance of his self-proclaimed Messiah role, which alters the closing scene of the original novel.
In the book, Chani plays a substantial yet distinct role compared to her appearance in the initial Dune novel. Throughout Messiah, she maintains a clandestine relationship with Paul, attempting to produce an heir despite his marriage to Princess Irulan. Given the backlash against Zendaya’s portrayal of Chani in the movies for Paul’s choice to marry Irulan, it seems improbable that her storyline in Dune 3 will strictly adhere to the books.
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2025-06-12 15:36