Is There a Long Wait Ahead for 'Dune: Part Three' after the Cliffhanger of 'Dune: Part Two'? | Vanity Fair

Written by Anthony Breznican

Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve, will not offer fans the closure they might be expecting. Instead, it creates a segue to a possible third installment rather than tying up the story of Timothée Chalamet’s character, a futuristic prince.

Villeneuve initially structured the cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel about conflict over a barren but significant desert planet in two parts. He has openly pondered further adapting Herbert’s 1969 sequel, Dune: Messiah, turning the dual narrative into a trilogy. In Dune: Part Two, set to release on March 1, a pathway to the next sequel is set; this progression, Villeneuve notes, strictly echoes Herbert’s ending in the original novel.

'That’s the novel’s conclusion,' Villeneuve states in a conversation with Vanity Fair. 'The book of Dune concludes with the start of an unmanageable situation, which I saw as a very strong ending. I believe that both films finish the book’s adaptation, and I’m content with that. Could I potentially make Messiah? Certainly…'

The novel Messiah occurs 12 years following the first book’s conclusion, hence Chalamet’s Paul Atreides might be stuck in limbo before the audience revisits him. 'I want to honor Frank Herbert’s original idea of a time jump. That’s my ideal plan,' Villeneuve shares.

While Villeneuve has paved the way for the next chapter, he is uncertain about the timing in his personal schedule. He mentions a conversation with Jane Campion during which she discussed her plans for a relaxation retreat after the Oscar ceremony. 'I’m not complaining! I’m merely stating that I now require some time to relax a bit and contemplate how best to tackle a third part, the adaptation of Dune: Messiah, a logical progression as it signifies the conclusion of Paul Atreides’ journey.'

Although Herbert authored several more Dune novels that advanced through future generations of his searing universe, Villeneuve, a childhood fan of the books, connects most significantly with Chalamet’s character.

However, Villeneuve doesn’t intend to take a significant break before returning to work. He aspirationally adds that a time away from Dune would be creative nourishment, possibly leading him to undertake greater challenges as the potential trilogy concludes.

'If we return for a third time, it needs to be worthwhile and an improvement on Part Two,' Villeneuve stresses. 'I want it to be unique. I don’t want to repeat myself or become predictable. I aim to create something fresh. That’s currently in the works.'

Regarding future plans, he asserts the time off before coming back mainly applies to production and actual shooting of a hypothetical third Dune. Surprisingly, Villeneuve admits that he has already started writing. 'The scriptwriting is currently underway. I’m satisfied with its progress so far, but it’s incomplete, and it might not be advisable to immediately dive into Messiah,' he concludes. 'It might be beneficial to work on something different in the meantime.'