Summary
- Villeneuve has plans for Dune 3, but its release may be delayed to focus on quality over meeting a rushed date.
- Dune 3 is expected to be based on Dune Messiah. It may take years to come out considering the time gap in the story.
- The expansion of the Dune franchise through a TV spinoff suggests more projects, even if Dune 3 takes time to release.
Denis Villeneuve has revealed that, while he has plans for Dune 3, the release of the movie may take some time. The director and writer is responsible for the latest Dune movies, starring Timothée Chalamet as the duke-turned-messiah Paul Atreides. Dune: Part Two will be in theaters on March 1, with plans for a third film already expressed by the director.
However, speaking with The Times, Villeneuve revealed that Dune 3's release may not happen until some time after the upcoming film is available. The director said he did not want to rush into making the next installment of the franchise, not wanting to get caught up in the idea of meeting a particular release date just yet. Check out what Villeneuve had to say below:
There is absolutely a desire to have a third one, but I don’t want to rush it. The danger in Hollywood is that people get excited and only think about release dates, not quality.
Why It Makes Sense For Dune 3 To Arrive Much Later
Dune: Part Two will be released on March 1, 2024, adapting the second half of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel. Villeneuve has already confirmed that, if a third film does get made, it will be based on Dune Messiah, Herbert's direct sequel to the original book. However, the movie has yet to be officially confirmed, no doubt ready to be greenlit depending on how well the upcoming sequel does in theaters.
If a third movie were to be made, it would make sense for there to be a time gap between releases. This is because Messiah begins 12 years after Dune, meaning plenty of time has passed from the end of the original story. While such a large gap between film releases seems unlikely, the existing movies came out within over two years of each other. If Villeneuve doesn't want to rush the next installment, it could be three or more years before it comes out in theaters.
The franchise is still expanding beyond the movies, though, with the TV spinoff and prequel Dune: Prophecy due on Max in late 2024. Depending on how successful these new projects are, there could be a push for more media in the franchise, even if Dune 3 takes some time to come out. It's clear that, no matter when it arrives, Villeneuve has a plan for the series that will ultimately maintain its quality.
It's unclear if more of Herbert's Dune sequels will be adapted in the future.
Source: The Times
