The “Dune” franchise arguably has the best cast on the planet right now: Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, etc. But it’s getting even more stacked and exciting with the potential addition of Robert Pattinson (“The Batman”). THR reports that as director Denis Villeneuve puts the finishing touches on the third film in the series, “Dune Messiah”—allegedly the French filmmaker’s last directorial effort in the franchise—Pattinson is eyeing a villain role in the movie.
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While no deals have been made, the actor is reportedly circling the role of the chief villain in the film, one that is possibly Scytale from Frank Herbert’s books, a shape-shifting “face-dancer” who is the head of a conspiracy against Emperor Paul Atreides, according to THR.
Pattinson is currently starring in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and then set to reprise his role as Bruce Wayne and the Dark Knight, Batman in Matt Reeves’ “The Batman: Part II.” But it sounds like he’ll find some time to squeeze in a part in “Dune: Messiah.”
In the books, “Dune: Messiah” is set 12 years later, and Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides (Chalamet) ruled as Emperor during that entire period. Launching a jihad to overthrow the galaxy, he has also helplessly watched its religious fervor spiral out of control into lethal vengeance that cannot be quelled. The novels also show Atriedes’ marriage to Princess Irulan (Pugh) while still maintaining a relationship with his concubine, Chani (Zendaya). Though given how betrayed she feels at the end of “Dune: Part II,” it will not surprise if Villeneuve veers away from the book’s narrative, already said to be confusing, more psychedelic in nature and hard to adapt.
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Jason Momoa has already revealed that his character will return despite dying in the first “Dune” and the film is also expected to see a more full-blown appearance by Anya Taylor-Joy, who made a small uncredited cameo appearance as Alia Atreides, Paul’s adult sister.
“Dune: Messiah” is expected to begin production this summer ahead of an already-slated December 18, 2026 release date from Warner Bros. Villeneuve is expected to turn his attention to other projects once this third chapter in the “Dune” saga is complete. Legendary Pictures could continue the series if they wanted, but Villeneuve insisted he’s done after ‘Messiah.’
