Robert Pattinson Was ‘Disappointed’ by Dune 3 Director’s Original Idea of His Character

Robert Pattinson shared his initial reaction to his character design in the upcoming third installment of the Dune franchise. Pattinson expressed disappointment with director Denis Villeneuve‘s original concept and opened up about the changes.

In an interview for Empire’s December issue, the Batman star discussed his character, an assassin named Scytale. Pattinson said, “I went into it being like, ‘I want to look like an alien,’ and initially Denis was saying, ‘Well, I think he’s got to fit in with everybody. I think he just looks like you. He’s normal.’ I was a little bit disappointed.”

Scytale is a major antagonist in Dune: Part Three, a genetically engineered shape-shifter created by the Bene Tleilax faction. With his “Face Dancer” ability, he can copy a person’s appearance, voice, and mannerisms, using stealth, disguise, and deception to get his way. Along with the Bene Gesserit, Spacing Guild, and Tleilaxu, he tries to overthrow Emperor Paul Atreides.

Villeneuve changed his mind on Pattinson’s Dune 3 character

Although Scytale’s initial design did not meet Pattinson’s expectations, the director reconsidered his approach just days after the actor began filming. In the Empire interview, the 40-year-old continued, “It wasn’t even that far before I started shooting; he sent me an email saying, ‘I’ve had this idea of a look.’ And I’m like, ‘Okay! This is very much not like a normal guy at all.’”

Pattinson’s character is now designed to look eerily blank, with pale skin, bleached hair, and no eyebrows. The Drama star added, “It’s like he’s grown in a lab. There’s a little element of a baby about him, which I really, really liked.”

Dune: Part Three also stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, and Isaach de Bankolé. The franchise is based on Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah. The movie is scheduled to release in theaters on December 18, 2026.

Source: Comingsoon.net