The Third 'Dune' Film Receives Official Title

Summary

• Third Dune film officially titled Dune: Part Three, releasing December 18, 2026
• Story picks up 12 years after Part Two; Chalamet, Zendaya, Pugh, Momoa return
• Director Denis Villeneuve confirms this as his last Dune saga movie

The highly anticipated third installment in Denis Villeneuve‘s epic Dune saga finally has its official title — Dune: Part Three. This confirmation, which comes as a slight surprise to many fans who anticipated the film would adopt the title of Frank Herbert’s second novel, Dune: Messiah, solidifies the naming convention established by the first two critically acclaimed films. The movie is slated for release at the end of next year.

While the film is indeed set to adapt the events of Herbert’s 1969 novel Dune Messiah, director Villeneuve and Warner Bros. have opted for continuity, aligning the title with Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024). This decision likely aims to simplify branding and avoid confusing new viewers, directly linking the film to its predecessors as a direct continuation rather than a spin-off. However, some fans have expressed disappointment, feeling “Messiah” would have been a more impactful and distinct title.

Dune: Part Three will pick up approximately 12 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, exploring Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) journey as Emperor and the complex consequences of his rise. Key cast members including, Timothée Chalamet (Paul Atreides), Zendaya (Chani) and Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan) are confirmed to return. In a major reveal, Jason Momoa is also set to reprise his role as Duncan Idaho. The film will feature select sequences shot with Director Denis Villeneuve confirms this as his last Dune saga movie., promising another immersive visual spectacle from Villeneuve. This installment is expected to be Villeneuve’s final film in his Dune saga, concluding Paul Atreides’ story arc.

As filming commences, Villeneuve also shares a new first look of the film posted to X. The film is set to release on December 18, 2026.

"…on a journey into that land where we walk without footprints."

Production has begun on the next film in Denis Villeneuve's Dune trilogy.

📷 Denis Villeneuve
📍 Arrakis pic.twitter.com/JYP8ShbrRx

— DUNE (@dunemovie) July 8, 2025