Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are gearing up for the next chapter of the Dune saga. Director Denis Villeneuve is set to helm Dune 3, with returning stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. A new report from Deadline indicates that Robert Pattinson is in talks for a significant role in Dune 3. It seems The Batman star could expand his presence in Warner Bros.' major franchises.
While details remain scarce about Pattinson’s potential character, THR hints he may portray a villain. Drawing from the narrative of Dune: Part Two and Frank Herbert’s novels, we can speculate on the roles Pattinson might take on in the upcoming film. Here are the most likely characters he could play.
Scytale
If Dune 3 closely follows Dune Messiah, the first sequel novel, and saves Children of Dune for later films, Pattinson’s options for new characters are limited. Among them, Scytale stands out as a strong candidate, with THR also suggesting this role for Pattinson.
Scytale is the central antagonist in Dune Messiah, leading a conspiracy to dethrone Emperor Paul Atreides, who commands a vast army of devoted Fremen followers. While the first two films chronicled Paul’s rise from noble heir to Fremen messiah, Dune 3 will likely explore the burdens of his imperial rule. Leadership, as always, comes with heavy challenges.
Plotting against Paul is no easy feat, given his near-superhuman foresight. Scytale, alongside co-conspirators like Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam (played by Charlotte Rampling), collaborates with Guild Navigator Edric, whose spice-heavy abilities disrupt Paul’s prescient visions by warping time and space.
Scytale is a captivating figure, ideal for Pattinson’s talents. As a Face Dancer shapeshifter, briefly seen in the Dune: Prophecy series, and a member of the cunning Bene Tleilax, Scytale offers Pattinson a chance to embrace a darker, villainous role, contrasting his usual heroic characters.
Moreover, Scytale’s arc allows for Pattinson’s potential return in future Dune installments. Without spoiling Dune Messiah’s ending, the series often transcends conventional barriers like time or death for character reappearances.
Scytale seems the most probable role, but other villainous characters could also suit Pattinson’s skills. Let’s explore additional possibilities.
Leto Atreides II
Given Pattinson’s prominence and his resemblance to Chalamet, a role as another Atreides family member, Leto Atreides II, seems plausible. This character is among the most pivotal in Herbert’s Dune universe.
The Dune saga features two Leto IIs, named after Paul’s late father (portrayed by Oscar Isaac). The elder Leto II, a minor figure in the original novel, dies in a Sardaukar attack, fueling Paul’s vengeance. This subplot was omitted in Dune: Part Two.
The younger Leto Atreides II appears as an infant in Dune Messiah but becomes the protagonist of Children of Dune and the transformative figure in God Emperor of Dune, depicted as a hybrid human-sandworm. James McAvoy played this role in the 2003 Children of Dune miniseries.
Since Dune 3 will likely adapt Dune Messiah, casting Pattinson as an infant seems unlikely. However, Dune: Part Two introduced spice-induced visions of future family members, like Anya Taylor-Joy’s Alia. Could Pattinson appear as Leto II in a similar vision?
The films are also diverging from Herbert’s books, as seen with Chani’s altered arc in Dune: Part Two. Villeneuve might blend elements of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, as the 2003 miniseries did, potentially justifying Pattinson as Leto II.
Should Pattinson play Leto II, it would secure his long-term role in the franchise, given the character’s significance. Fans might eagerly await Pattinson portraying the eccentric worm-god emperor.
Prince Farad’n Corrino
If Dune 3 incorporates elements of both Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, Pattinson could portray Prince Farad’n.
As the grandson of the ousted Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken in Dune: Part Two), Farad’n is the Corrino family’s hope to reclaim the throne. Raised on the harsh Salusa Secundus and trained as a Sardaukar, he’s shaped by a life of combat and discipline.
Farad’n is intriguing because he’s not driven by ambition for power, unlike his mother, Wensicia. He’d rather pursue intellectual pursuits. Casting Pattinson as a reluctant villain in this complex universe could highlight his ability to portray nuanced characters.
Dune: Part 2 Character Posters
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A New Fremen Character
Dune: Part Two significantly alters Chani’s arc, with her rejecting Paul’s holy war and returning to Arrakis, disillusioned. This shift suggests Dune 3 will deviate from a strict adaptation of Dune Messiah.
Given these changes, Villeneuve might introduce original characters or new villains absent from Herbert’s novels. Could Pattinson play one of these new figures, perhaps a Fremen opposing Paul?
Pattinson could portray a leader in Chani’s anti-Paul faction, representing Fremen skeptical of Paul’s cosmic crusade. This character might echo Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen but with a less sinister edge, acting as a villain only from Paul’s perspective.
Herbert’s novels caution against charismatic leaders, so Pattinson’s character could challenge Paul’s authority, arguing against mass violence to secure power. This role would align with the saga’s themes.
Perhaps Dune 3 could explore a love triangle involving Paul, Chani, and Pattinson’s character. Despite her disdain for Paul’s actions, Chani likely retains feelings for him. The film must navigate her journey to motherhood, birthing Leto II and Ghanima, possibly forcing her to choose between Paul and a new figure played by Pattinson.
Which Dune character do you think Pattinson will portray? Share your vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comments below:
For more insights on the Dune franchise’s future, discover what major spoiler Jason Momoa revealed about the upcoming film.
