Denis Villeneuve addresses his future involvement in theDunefranchise beyond the events ofDune 3. Villeneuve helped introduce Frank Herbert’s tale of warring space-bound families to a new generation in a two-part adaptation of the first novel, with both movies released in 2021 and 2024, respectively. The third movie that will be helmed by Villeneuve is set tobring the events ofDune Messiahto the big screen.
As the franchise’s continuation seems likely, the director addressed whether he would remain withDunebeyond his next movie while speaking toVanity Fair. Despite stating that he intends to move on after dedicating himself to three movies, he will useDune 3to lay the foundations for future installments. Check out Villeneuve’s full response below:
Listen, if Dune: Messiah happens, it will have been many years for me on Arrakis, and I would love to do something else. I think that it would be a good idea for me to verify that, in Messiah, there are the seeds in the project if someone wants to do something else afterwards, because they are beautiful books. They are more difficult to adapt. They become more and more esoteric. It’s a bit more tricky to adapt, but I’m not closing the door. I will not do it myself, but it could happen with someone else.
Dune Messiah Would Be A Perfect Directing Exit For Denis Villeneuve
The Franchise Will Already Expand Beyond Villeneuve’s Singular Vision
With Villeneuve confirming thatDune Messiahwill mark his exit from the franchise, there could be some concern at how it will fare without him. However, his decision does make sense narratively, asMessiahdoes bring thetale of Paul Atreides(Timothée Chalamet) to a close. Future books follow his bloodline and his descendants' deeds. As such, Villeneuve adapting a third movie ensures that the saga of Paul Atreides will be consistent with his vision.
The series will be the first showcase of how someone other than Villeneuve might handle the franchise, and whether it can succeed without his involvement.
Furthermore, theDunefranchise is already expanding, with HBO gearing up to releasethe prequelDune: Prophecy. Set over 10,000 years before the events of the first movie, the 2024 television series is set to explore the formation of the Bene Gesserit and the rise of the universe’s ruling families. Villeneuve is a producer on the series, but not the showrunner; that credit belongs to Alison Schapker. The series will be the first showcase of how someone other than Villeneuve might handle the franchise, and whether it can succeed without his involvement.
With the two movies he has already released, Villeneuve has succeeded in bringing one of sci-fi’s most influential series to the big screen. As seen withpastDuneadaptations, Herbert’s tales can be difficult to bring into live-action. As such, shouldDune Messiahbuild upon the first two movies' successes, Villeneuve can walk away content with the job he has completed, which will almost certainly pave the way for future installments from other filmmakers.
Dune: Part Three
Cast
Dune: Part Three continues the epic saga with Paul Atreides as Emperor Muad’Dib facing threats from political adversaries and internal betrayal. Amidst the turmoil, the stability of House Atreides is jeopardized, while Paul grapples with protecting his lover, Chani, and their unborn child from emerging perils.
