Dune and its sequel were massive hits that crossed over from hardcore sci-fi nerds to mainstream audiences. But this third part might be where things get really weird.
Based on Frank Herbert's sequel Dune Messiah, the film will pick up years after the events of the second entry. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) now rules – some would say terrorizes – much of the known universe. His wife Chani (Zendaya) is about to give birth, allowing the dynasty to continue. That's pretty much in line with the bloody war and palace intrigue of the first two films. But now we get into ghoulas (clones) and Face Dancers (shapeshifters) and all the deception and havoc those groups could wreak.
But if anything, Warner Bros. seems even more confident in this outing. The studio hasn't backed down from its December 18 release date, even as Disney has refused to budge its release of Avengers: Doomsday. The former will have the upper hand, as it's already gotten exclusive IMAX screens for at least the first two weekends.
In addition to Chalamet and Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem, and Charlotte Rampling all return from the previous installment. New cast members include Anya Taylor-Joy and Robert Pattinson. The latter plays the scheming Scytale, and he will surely wow us with crazy accent work and physicality.
The trailer promises the end of the trilogy, which is certainly true based on the fact that director Denis Villeneuve will soon turn his attention to the James Bond franchise. But I would not be totally shocked if another director takes up the mantle to tackle the sequels, some of which are set millennia after Dune Messiah and get even weirder.
Dune: Part Three arrives in theaters on Friday, December 18.
