This article contains potential SPOILERS for Dune: Part Three.
Director Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film,Dune: Part Three, will introduce several intriguing characters to the film franchise. Adapting Frank Herbert’s novel,Dune Messiah, theplot forDune: Part Threeis expected to take place 12 years after Paul (Timothée Chalamet) became Emperor of the Known Universe, following Paul as he struggles to maintain power as he faces a plot to usurp his throne.
Given the events of Herbert’s novel,Dune: Part Threewill introduce a handful of new allies and enemiesto Emperor Paul Atreides as it bringsthe story ofDune Messiahto film.Some characters may not last long in the story, as previous films have shown many faces coming and going in gruesome ways.
However, there are plenty of other new characters who will have a long-lasting presence in theDunefranchise going forward, makingPart Threea significant chapter in the saga.
6Edric the Navigator
This Mutant Creature Will Be A Huge Villain In Dune: Part Three
Despite his alien-like appearance, this creature is actually one of the human navigators of the Spacing Guild, having been mutated by the spice to wield the power of folding space that’s central to interstellar travel. The last time thatEdric the Navigatorwas seen on film was in the 1984 adaptation ofDune,supporting Shaddam IV’s plot to eradicate House Atreides.
Though representatives of the Spacing Guild appear inDune: Part One, Edric may finally make his on-screen debut in the third film, based on the events ofDune Messiah.
However,Edric serves as one of the main antagonists ofDune Messiah, participating in a conspiracy to assassinate and overthrow Paul as Emperor of the Known Universe. Though representatives of the Spacing Guild appear inDune: Part One, Edric may finally make his on-screen debut in the third film, based on the events ofDune Messiah.
Given how there are not many “alien” creatures in Villeneuve’sDunefilms, it will be interesting to see how Edric will be portrayed on the big screen.
5Scytale
This Face Dancer Will Be One Of Dune Part Three’s Villains
The plot to eradicate Paul and his family inDune: Part Threewill be carried out with the aid of Scytale, one of the Bene Tleilax’s Face Dancers. A member of this order of shapeshiftersappeared inDune: Prophecy, set long before the birth of Paul Atreides.However, they weren’t added to theDunefranchise untilDune Messiahintroduced Scytale, who will reportedly be played by Robert Pattinson inDune: Part Three.
An incredibly powerful and crafty villain,Scytale nearly kills Paul and his children in the bookswhile impersonating the people in Paul’s ranks on Arrakis. He also manipulates the protagonist with the promise of bringing his loved ones back to life as gholas, which should make him a compelling final obstacle in Paul’s big screen trilogy, especially if Pattinson is portraying the character.
4Duncan Idaho/Hayt
Jason Momoa Will Return As Duncan (Sort Of)
Though Duncan died fighting the Imperial Sardaukar to protect Paul and Jessica inDune: Part One,the noble swordsman will return in the third film.However, this won’t be the same Duncan. A clone of Paul’s mentor, going by the name “Hayt,” will be created by the Bene Tleilax and presented to Paul by Edric to weaken his resolve to rule the Imperium.
Hayt will also act as a sleeper agent programmed to assassinate Paul, adding plenty of emotional conflict and suspense to the story. All in all, Hayt will be instrumental in the final battle between Paul and the insurgents inDune: Part Three. Depending on how much the film follows the source material, the clone may even start a romantic relationshipwith Paul’s sister Alia.
3Leto II Atreides
Paul’s Son And Heir Will Finally Appear In Dune: Part Three
This isn’t Duke Leto who will appear in the sequel, but Paul and Chani’s son, who was named after the former’s father. While the character was previously portrayed by James McAvoy in theChildren of DuneTV series,Leto II will be portrayed in Villeneuve’s film by Jason Momoa’s son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa.
He will also use his powers as the Kwisatz Haderach to transform himself into an immortal, worm-like creature and become “God Emperor Leto,” allowing him to do what Paul couldn’t and lead humanity on the Golden Path.
If future sequels follow the plot of the books, Leto II will eventually inherit his father’s title as the ruler of the Atreides Empire. He will also use his powers as the Kwisatz Haderach to transform himself into an immortal, worm-like creature and become “God Emperor Leto,” allowing him to do what Paul couldn’t and lead humanity on the Golden Path.
2Ghanima Atreides
Paul And Chani’s Daughter Will Also Appear In The Third Dune Film
Paul will have not one, but two children inDune: Part Three.Ghanima is the daughter of Paul and Chani and the twin sister of Leto II.Having been portrayed by Jessica Brooks inFrank Herbert’s Children of Dune, Ghanima will appear inDune: Part Three, portrayed by actor Ida Brooke, who is most famous for her roles inSiloandThe Primrose Railway Children.
Like her brother, Ghanima was born with incredible wisdom and the ability to access the knowledge of her ancestors. She thus provides guidance to Leto II on his journey following the events inDune Messiah. Though she may not have a significant role inDune: Part Three, the film will surely set her up to be a huge character in future cinematic adventures.
1Alia Atreides
Paul’s Sister Will Finally Be Born
Though Alia appeared to Paul in a vision inDune: Part II(Anya Taylor-Joy),she still hadn’t been born yet by the time the film ended. Thus, she will likely appear in the flesh inDune: Part Threedue to the time jump featured inDune Messiah, giving her a bigger role in Villeneuve’s third film.
If the threequel falls in line with the book’s story, Alia will look like a fully grown adult despite being 12 years old, having been exposed to the Water of Life while in utero, making it easier for Taylor-Joy to play her in the movie.
However, since the pre-born Alia worked closely with Jessica while she was still in the womb, it’s unknown what kind of devious dynamic mother and daughter will have inDune: Part Three, especially since the latter didn’t appear inDune Messiah.
