Denis Villeneuve has "a craving and ambition" for Dune: Messiah to be his next film.

      Last year, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two premiered to widespread acclaim, successfully concluding the narrative of Frank Herbert’s Dune, the first installment of his grand sci-fi saga. Villeneuve had previously indicated his intention to adapt Dune: Messiah to finish the story of Paul Atreides, but he initially planned to take a pause from the Dune universe to pursue another project. However, it seems Villeneuve has had a change of heart.

      During the Saturn Awards, he shared with Collider that following the release of Dune: Part Two, he discovered "an appetite and desire" to return to the franchise after its positive reception from both audiences and box office success.

      Dune: Part Two depicted Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides in hiding after the loss of his father and the near destruction of his prestigious House at the hands of their enemies, House Harkonnen. While Paul and his mother sought refuge with the Fremen and learned their culture, he embraced his identity as the Lisan al Gaib, a revered religious figure manipulated by the Fremen, ultimately enacting revenge against the Harkonnens and the Emperor. The film concluded with Paul initiating a Holy War he sought to avoid, as his beloved Chani appeared to abandon him after utilizing her people.

      Villeneuve confirmed that Dune: Messiah will continue from where Part Two finished, before exploring the 12-year time jump captured in the novel, which focuses on Paul’s time as Emperor and the impact of the war on him and the galaxy.

      “Chani’s heart is broken, and that marks the beginning of the Holy War, which is where we left off, so in some respects, I’d say it’s quite similar. I had anticipated working on something else first, but honestly, that inspiration struck me as I took a break this summer and revisited the story,” Villeneuve stated. “I was truly touched by the way Part Two was embraced by film enthusiasts around the globe. And I felt a strong desire and responsibility to complete that narrative.”

      Although Dune: Messiah is still likely some time away from release as Villeneuve is currently working on the script, Dune fans can take comfort in knowing that it will come to theaters sooner rather than later. In the meantime, audiences can enjoy Dune through the HBO prequel series Dune: Prophecy, for which Villeneuve serves as an executive producer and which has recently been renewed for a second season.

      What are your thoughts on this news? Are you excited that Villeneuve will make Dune: Messiah his next film, or would you have preferred to see one of his original concepts brought to life first? Share your opinions with us on our social channels at @FlickeringMyth.

      Dune: Part Two will delve into the legendary journey of Paul Atreides as he allies with Chani and the Fremen while seeking vengeance against those who destroyed his family. Faced with a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the entire universe, he strives to avert a grim future that only he can foresee.

      The cast of Dune: Part Two includes Timothée Chalamet (Wonka), Zendaya (Euphoria), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning), Josh Brolin (Milk), Austin Butler (Elvis), Florence Pugh (Black Widow), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Fences), Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future), Stellan Skarsgård (Mamma Mia), Charlotte Rampling (45 Years), and Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men).

      Ricky Church – Connect with me on Bluesky for more movie discussions and updates on nerd culture.