I just noticed that this morning’s IMAX Investor Presentation slate included an "Untitled Dune" movie by Denis Villeneuve set for 2026 release. It looks like the rumors were true. “Dune Messiah” is indeed coming soon.
So, yes, in all likelihood, “Dune: Messiah” is Villeneuve’s next film despite the filmmaker stating, multiple times, that it wouldn’t be. Last month, Deadline and THR reported that Villeneuve might have had a “change of heart,” and that he now wants to complete the ‘Dune’ trilogy by 2026. He’s currently working on the script and locking the cast.
A few days later, Scooper Daniel Richtman claimed that “Dune: Messiah” would start production in August 2025. As far as we know, Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya do not have any new projects to shoot during that timeframe. Florence Pugh is also supposed to have a larger role in this third chapter as Princess Irulan. Ditto Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides.
It’ll be very interesting to see exactly how Villeneuve will attempt to pull off “Dune: Messiah.” Frank Herbert’s source material is not as audience friendly as the first book. If Villeneuve sticks to the source material, it would be a very different film than the first two. Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, now a powerful dictator, would not be the least bit likable. The storytelling isn’t blockbuster material — more solemn, less action. Good luck, Denis.
The short version: "Woman Unknown" was a compromise. The jury deadlocked over "Possible Love" and "NAZA," not able to com to terms, fell back on their #3, May el-Toukhy's film.