Hold onto your sandworms, because the universe of Arrakis is far from being fully explored. Director Denis Villeneuve is keeping the flames of anticipation alive by hinting at the potential of a “Dune 3” in the making. In a recent interview with Empire, the visionary director unveiled his aspiration to extend the epic sci-fi film series beyond “Dune: Part Two,” declaring, “If I succeed in making a trilogy, that would be the dream.”
While Villeneuve may be playing coy, he tantalizingly dropped a breadcrumb by revealing that there are indeed “words on paper” when it comes to “Dune 3.” As the maestro of cinematic storytelling, Villeneuve is weaving a narrative tapestry that could potentially take audiences even deeper into the mesmerizing world crafted by Frank Herbert.
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Should “Dune 3” come to fruition, it would find its foundation in Herbert’s “Dune Messiah,” the direct sequel to his original 1965 novel. With a total of five sequels penned by Herbert, including titles like “Children of Dune” and “God Emperor of Dune,” the franchise is a treasure trove of intricate narratives. Following Herbert’s passing in 1986, his son Brian carried the torch, adding his own prequels and sequels to the expansive “Dune” universe. Villeneuve’s intention is to stay true to Herbert’s original concept, portraying “Dune” as a cautionary tale rather than a conventional hero’s journey. “’Dune Messiah’ was written in reaction to the fact that people perceived Paul Atreides as a hero,” Villeneuve elaborated. “Which is not what he wanted to do. My adaptation [of ‘Dune’] is closer to his idea that it’s actually a warning.”
With the potential of “Dune 3” on the horizon, Villeneuve envisions it as the closing chapter of his involvement in the “Dune” franchise. As he delves into the heart of Herbert’s intricate narratives, the possibility of a fourth installment would lead into more esoteric territories that might not align with the grand cinematic scale he’s established.
But before the tantalizing potential of “Dune 3,” audiences can look forward to the impending release of “Dune: Part Two.” Set to continue the saga of Paul Atreides, played by the enigmatic Timothée Chalamet, and his alliance with Chani, portrayed by Zendaya, this sequel is poised to deliver revenge and revelations. The ensemble cast, including Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, and many more, promises to elevate the epic even further.
While the anticipation for “Dune: Part Two” surges, fans can only imagine the thrilling horizons Villeneuve could explore with a potential “Dune 3.” The universe of Arrakis continues to expand, and with every word on paper, the sands of time are swirling in anticipation of what’s to come.