Denis Villeneuve Eyes Pattinson for Pivotal Role in Final Chapter of Sci-Fi Blockbuster Saga
As director Denis Villeneuve prepares to conclude his monumental Dune trilogy, the buzz surrounding Dune: Part Three is intensifying. According to a new report from Deadline, Robert Pattinson is being eyed for a major role in the upcoming installment. While no official deal is currently in place, sources indicate strong interest in casting Pattinson as the shape-shifting antagonist Scytale, a member of the sinister Bene Tleilax.
Villeneuve Rounds Out the Epic Cast for His Final Dune Entry
The Dune franchise has always attracted top-tier talent, and the third chapter is no exception. Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh are expected to reprise their roles, continuing the saga of Paul Atreides and his allies. With several key roles still uncast, Pattinson’s addition would bring yet another level of star power to the Oscar-winning franchise.
Villeneuve confirmed in a recent interview that Dune 3 will be his final chapter in the sprawling sci-fi saga. “It’s not like a trilogy in the traditional sense,” he told Empire, “but this film will bring closure to the themes I’ve explored so far.”
Filming Scheduled to Begin in Summer 2025
Production on Dune: Part Three is set to begin later this summer, with Villeneuve once again returning to the director’s chair. The screenplay, currently in its final stages, is based on Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, the second novel in the legendary sci-fi series. The story explores the consequences of Paul Atreides’ rise to power and introduces new political and philosophical dilemmas, with Scytale playing a central role in the unfolding intrigue.
Dune Universe Continues to Expand
Since the release of Dune: Part One in 2021 and its blockbuster sequel Dune: Part Two in 2024, the franchise has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide and garnered critical acclaim, including eight Academy Awards from 15 nominations. The success has also extended to the small screen with Dune: Prophecy, a prequel TV series set 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides. The series debuted on HBO Max in November 2024 to glowing reviews, further expanding the Dune mythos.
Robert Pattinson’s Expanding Sci-Fi Résumé
Should Pattinson join the cast, Dune 3 would add to the actor’s impressive lineup of genre-defining roles. Best known for his brooding portrayal in The Batman, Pattinson recently wrapped filming on The Drama, an upcoming A24 film where he stars opposite Zendaya. He also headlines the psychological drama Die, My Love alongside Jennifer Lawrence, directed by Lynne Ramsay, and is currently shooting Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi adaptation of The Odyssey.
Beyond acting, Pattinson is also stepping into production, currently working on Primetime, another A24-backed project. His attachment to Dune would further cement his status as one of the most versatile talents in Hollywood.