Dune 3 Update: More on Robert Pattinson’s Potential Character & Other Story Details

New details have emerged regarding Dune 3.

Having helmed 2021’s Dune and 2024’s Dune: Part Two, director Denis Villeneuve is now working on Dune 3. The movie is expected to begin filming this summer, though an official release date has not yet been set by Warner Bros.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Deadline reported that Robert Pattinson is in early talks to join the cast of the movie. While Deadline was unsure who Pattinson could be playing, The Hollywood Reporter noted that he’s “circling the role of the chief villain in the film, one that is possibly Scytale from Frank Herbert’s books.”

What is the latest Dune 3 update?

Nexus Point News is now reporting that Pattinson is indeed set to play Scytale in Dune 3.

“This news follows Deadline’s initial report that Pattinson was in talks to join the cast of the film in an undisclosed role,” the article reads. “Nexus Point News has been tracking this casting for weeks now and can report that a deal is already closed or close to closing although Deadline reported an offer has not been made.”

Scytale was first introduced in Herbert’s Dune Messiah, which is the second book in his series of novels. Dune and Dune: Part Two both adapt the first book, meaning it’s expected that Villeneuve’s Dune 3 will adapt Dune Messiah.

“Scytale is a face dancer and a member of the Bene Tleilax, a mysterious society known for their interest in genetic manipulation,” Nexus Point News’ article states. “They are responsible for the creation of the first Duncan Idaho ghola, a role that Jason Momoa will return to portray in this upcoming film. Scytale is being described as the film’s primary antagonist and in the novel is known for conspiring with the Guild Navigator Edric, Reverend Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling), and Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) to overthrow the emperor, Paul Atreides (Timothé Chalamet).”

Additionally, Nexus Point News reports that casting is now underway for Chani’s (Zendaya) children, Leto and Ghanima, who will both be “in their teens.”

Source: Comingsoon.net