The next installment in Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' Dune saga is gaining momentum. Denis Villeneuve will return to direct Dune 3 alongside lead actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Recent reports indicate Robert Pattinson may join the cast in a significant role, potentially expanding his involvement with Warner Bros.' major franchises beyond The Batman.
While Pattinson's exact character remains unconfirmed, industry sources speculate he may portray a villain. Based on plot threads from Dune: Part Two and Frank Herbert's novels, let's examine the most likely candidates for Pattinson's role in the upcoming film.
Scytale
If Dune 3 primarily adapts Dune Messiah while postponing Children of Dune for later films, Pattinson's options among new characters become limited. Industry insiders suggest Scytale represents his most probable role outside of Leto II.
Scytale emerges as the primary antagonist in Messiah, masterminding a conspiracy against Emperor Paul Atreides and his fanatical Fremen forces. The third film will likely explore Paul's imperial struggles, demonstrating how leadership transforms visionary rebels into embattled rulers.
The conspiracy's success depends on circumventing Paul's prescient abilities through alliances with spice-addicted Guild Navigators whose abilities distort spacetime perception. Scytale's shapeshifting Face Dancer abilities and Bene Tleilax origins offer Pattinson compelling material, marking a departure from his typical heroic roles.
The character also provides longevity within the franchise, as Dune's narrative mechanics transcend conventional mortality. While Scytale appears the likeliest candidate, other intriguing possibilities deserve consideration.
Leto Atreides II
Pattinson's resemblance to Chalamet invites speculation about him portraying another Atreides family member - Paul's son Leto II, arguably the saga's most pivotal character.
The Dune universe contains two Leto IIs: Paul's firstborn son (who dies early in the original novel) and his younger namesake from Messiah. While merely an infant in Messiah, this second Leto evolves into Children of Dune's protagonist and God Emperor's central figure.
Villeneuve's adaptation could follow Part Two's precedent of depicting future family members through spice visions, similar to Anya Taylor-Joy's appearance as Alia. Moreover, the films show increasing divergence from source material, potentially blending Messiah and Children of Dune narratives.
Casting Pattinson as Leto II would secure his involvement throughout the franchise's future, culminating in the iconic worm-god incarnation fans eagerly anticipate.
Prince Farad'n Corrino
Should Dune 3 incorporate Children of Dune elements, Prince Farad'n emerges as another compelling option.
The exiled Corrino heir represents his family's fading imperial ambitions, though unlike his scheming relatives, Farad'n prefers scholarly pursuits to political machinations. This multifaceted antagonist presents Pattinson with opportunities to portray reluctant villainy amidst Dune's trademark moral complexity.
Dune: Part 2 Character Posters
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A New Fremen Character
The films' increasing narrative divergence suggests Pattinson might portray an original character aligned with Chani's rebellious Fremen faction.
Part Two's conclusion establishes Chani leading resistance against Paul's holy war, creating narrative opportunities for new antagonists opposing Paul's rule. Pattinson could embody Fremen disillusionment with their messiah while potentially forming a romantic triangle with Paul and Chani.
Such a character would reinforce Herbert's cautionary themes about charismatic leaders while allowing Pattinson to explore morally ambiguous roles central to Dune's philosophical foundations.
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For additional Dune franchise updates, discover Jason Momoa's revealing comments about the upcoming film.
