Robert Pattinson Joins the Dune Franchise

The sandworms of Arrakis might have found a new plaything. Robert Pattinson, fresh off his role in Bong Joon Ho’s cloning film Mickey 17, is reportedly in talks to join the cast of the final installment in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy.

Update on Pattinson’s Role

As of 5 pm ET, The Hollywood Reporter has noted that Pattinson is being considered for the “chief villain” role in the film, potentially playing Scytale, a Face Dancer of the Bene Tleilax and one of the ten rulers of the Tleilaxu empire.

Production and Casting

Deadline reports that Pattinson is a top priority for Legendary to join the cast, although no formal offer has been made yet. Villeneuve’s script, an adaptation of Dune Messiah, is still being finalized. If Pattinson takes on a role, it will be one of the few major additions to the Dune series’ already expansive casts.

Production Timeline and Impact on Other Projects

Dune 3 was initially planned for a later release, but Villeneuve decided to move forward with the project after the success of Dune: Part Two. The director stated, “I was really moved by the way Part Two was received by cinephiles around the world, and I felt an appetite and a desire to see more and a responsibility to finish that story,” in an interview with Collider. This change in plans may impact other projects, including The Batman Part 2, which has been delayed multiple times and is currently set for an estimated October 1, 2027 release.

Future Projects and Releases

While Dune 3 is moving forward, fans of The Batman may have to wait longer for the next installment. Meanwhile, Dune 3 is expected to begin filming this summer, after Pattinson completes his current project with Chris Nolan, an adaptation of The Odyssey.

For more updates on upcoming movies and TV shows, check out the latest release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek, as well as the future of the DC Universe and Doctor Who.