Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are gearing up for the next installment in the Dune saga, with Denis Villeneuve set to direct Dune 3. The film will see the return of key cast members such as Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. Excitingly, Robert Pattinson is reportedly in talks to join the ensemble for a significant role, according to Deadline. It seems Pattinson's involvement with Warner Bros. isn't limited to The Batman, as he may soon be part of another major franchise.
While the specific character Pattinson will portray remains under wraps, THR hints that he might take on a villainous role. Let's delve into some potential characters from Frank Herbert's Dune universe that Pattinson could play in the upcoming film.
Scytale
If Dune 3 closely follows the narrative of Dune Messiah, the second book in the series, Pattinson could be playing Scytale. THR suggests this is the likely role for Pattinson. Scytale is a central antagonist in Messiah, orchestrating a plot to dethrone Emperor Paul Atreides, who rules with an army of devoted Fremen followers. The third movie is expected to explore the trials Paul faces as emperor, a role fraught with challenges.
Scytale's plan to overthrow Paul involves working with a Guild Navigator named Edric, who consumes vast amounts of spice, enabling them to manipulate time and space, thus evading Paul's prescient abilities. Scytale's character is multifaceted; he's a shapeshifting Face Dancer and a member of the technologically advanced Bene Tleilax. This role offers Pattinson a chance to explore a darker, more complex character, diverging from his usual heroic roles.
Moreover, playing Scytale could open the door for Pattinson to return in future Dune sequels, as the character's fate in the books allows for such possibilities.
Leto Atreides II
Given Pattinson's striking resemblance to Chalamet, another intriguing possibility is him playing Leto Atreides II, Paul's son. There are two Leto IIs in the Dune saga: the first, a minor character killed in the original novel, and the second, introduced as an infant in Dune Messiah, who later becomes the protagonist of Children of Dune and the antagonist in God Emperor of Dune.
While Dune 3 is expected to focus on Messiah, the films have already shown a willingness to deviate from the books. For instance, Dune: Part Two features Paul having visions of his future family, including his unborn sister Alia played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Similarly, Pattinson could appear as Leto II in a vision sequence. Furthermore, if the film merges elements from Messiah and Children of Dune, as seen in the 2003 miniseries, Pattinson's role as Leto II could be expanded, setting the stage for his continued involvement in the franchise.
Prince Farad'n Corrino
If Dune 3 blends elements from Messiah and Children of Dune, Pattinson could portray Prince Farad'n. As the grandson of the dethroned Emperor Shaddam IV, Farad'n is a key antagonist in Children of Dune, trained on the harsh world of Salusa Secundus. Despite his mother's ambitions to reclaim the throne, Farad'n is more interested in scholarly pursuits, making him a sympathetic villain. Casting Pattinson in this role could add a nuanced layer to the film's narrative.
A New Fremen Character
Dune: Part Two introduced significant changes, particularly with Chani's character, who diverges from the books by rejecting Paul's holy war. This deviation suggests that Dune 3 might introduce new characters or alter existing ones. Pattinson could play a new Fremen character aligned with Chani's anti-Paul faction, opposing the messianic figure Paul has become. Such a role would fit well with the series' themes of cautioning against charismatic leaders, and it could even lead to a compelling love triangle between Paul, Chani, and Pattinson's character, adding tension and drama to the storyline.
For more insights into the future of the Dune franchise, check out the spoiler-filled revelation Jason Momoa shared about the next movie.
Dune: Part 2 Character Posters
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