Summary
With Part 1 releasing in 2021 and Part 2 in 2024, Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptations of Frank Herbert’sDunehave been hailed by critics and audiences for their success in bringing this science fiction classic to the big screen. FollowingDune: Prophecy, a prequel series following the order that would eventuallybecome the Bene Gesserit, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next film installment. Since the first two films covered Herbert’s first book, most considered it a given that the next film would pick up with the next book in the series,Dune Messiah.However, Villeneuve has revealed that the next installment in his film franchise will not be titled after this book, butinstead is simply calledDune: Part 3.
Many fans balked at this title change, as most have been expecting a movie that follows the next book in the series. In many ways, it feels like a way to give the movie more Hollywood appeal; however, it could actually be a positive for the upcoming film. Retitling the movie in this way could indicate thatDune: Part 3will not be constrained to the events ofDune: Messiah, opening up opportunities to bring more of Herbert’s universe to life.
What Happens BetweenDuneandDune: Messiah?
The first novel in Frank Herbert’s series ends with Paul taking the position of Emperor after destroying his forces with the help of the Fremenand the Sandworms. Despite this victory, Paul realizes that even though the Fremen are his allies, he cannot control their fervor.
Dune Messiahpicks up twelve years after the ending of the first book. During this time, the Fremen’s holy war — which Paul unleashed — has resulted in the deaths of 61 billion people. Paul has become Emperor and hasmarried Princess Irulanand taken Chani as his concubine, though neither partnership has produced an heir. Several different factions wish to see Paul deposed from his position of power, and tensions are running high.
The books themselves don’t delve much into the intervening years, and so readers don’t get to see much of Paul’s early days as Emperor of the Known Universe. All they know is that he has remained loyal to Chani during his political marriage to Irulan, and that the Fremen war has continued to rage. But this period of time is rife with storytelling potential, especially in the world that Villeneuve has crafted.
Already, Denis Villeneuve’s films have deviated somewhatfrom their source material, particularly in how they portray the relationship between Paul and Chani. In the book, Chani is dismayed by Paul’s marriage to Irulan; however, he reassures her that he will be completely faithful to her. At the start ofDune Messiah, despite the challenges they face, their romantic relationship remains strong, and is one of Paul’s greatest motivators.
The ending ofDune: Part 2, however, may have other implications. Chani clearly still cares for Paul, but is disturbed by his actions as the Lisan al-Gaib. Going off on her own at the end, she has appeared to lose much of her trust in him. This change, in combination with the many aspects of political intrigue, gives Villeneuve and his incredible cast the opportunity to portray what happens in the years between Frank Herbert’s first twoDunebooks.
Where Will Dune 3 Pick Up The Story?
Frank Herbert’s universe is vast and sprawling. There are frequent time jumps, not just between books, but in the middle of books. Villeneuve has already significantly shortened one such jump: in Herbert’s book, two years pass between the time Paul joins the Fremenand his rise as Muad’Dib. What works on the page doesn’t always work in film, and it seems that Villeneuve is freeing himself up to tell the story in chapters that make the most sense onscreen. By titling the next filmDune: Part 3, Villeneuve has ensured that it will not be constrained or restricted to the events of theDune Messiahnovel.
Theend of Villeneuve’s second filmsees a rift between Chani and Paul.Dune: Part 3has the opportunity to mend this rift in the years that the books jump over, thus making way for the events ofDune Messiahand the conflict it depicts between Chani and Irulan. This conflict is central to the novel: Paul’s loyalty to Chani and refusal to produce an heir with Irulan lead the princess to sabotage Chani, eventually resulting in her death in childbirth. Paul and Chani need to reunite in order for these events to play out, and for Paul and Chani’s twins to come into the picture.
Dune: Part 2ends with Paul leading the Fremen against the Great Houses, beginning the holy war which the books pick up in the middle of. If Villeneuve picks up the story earlier than the books, audiences have an opportunity to see how Paul handles his early days as Emperor and the beginning of this war. It’s also a chance to deepen the character of Irulan and explore her relationship with Paul, perhaps setting her up as the antagonist she becomes in theDune Messiahnovel.
A film titledDune: Messiahsuggests a story that follows the book of the same name.Dune: Part 3, however, encourages audiences to leave their expectations open, perhaps exploring events that the books skipped over. No matter what awaitsDunefans in 2026, it’s certain to bring Denis Villeneuve’s signature touch, expanding the beloved sci-fi world even further.
