The Dune franchise is expanding with several new installments in the works. Some have already been confirmed, while others are still in the early stages of development. Inspired by Frank Herbert's acclaimed novel, Denis Villeneuve's Dune movies have been a hit, paving the way for a potential Dune live-action franchise in both television and film. Despite having only two movie installments so far, the franchise is off to a promising start, leaving audiences eager for more.
With David Lynch's 1984 Dune movie adaptation and John Harrison's 2000 television miniseries preceding it, Villeneuve's Dune marks the third attempt to bring Frank Herbert's iconic novel to the screen. While previous adaptations struggled to capture the essence of the book, Villeneuve's movies have succeeded in delivering a faithful book-to-screen adaptation. This success has left fans hopeful for the future of the franchise, and fortunately, it seems like there will be more Dune content to enjoy in the years to come.
Dune: Prophecy (TV Show)
Dune prequel series set hundreds of years in the past
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica in the deep desert in Dune Part Two - Dune prequel series set hundreds of years in the past - Dune: Prophecy (TV Show)
Dune: Prophecy, set to premiere on Max in late 2024, acts as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve's original Dune film. It delves into the backstory almost 10,000 years prior to the events in Frank Herbert's classic 1965 Dune novel. The show will focus on the Bene Gesserit's beginnings, exploring the intense training that members of the sisterhood undergo to unleash their hidden powers and fulfill their potential.
While the plot details of the spin-off/prequel series remain mostly unknown, it is expected to explore how the sisterhood members learn important skills like "The Voice" and prana-bindu, leading to their transformation into Reverend Mothers after mastering all their abilities. The show is being produced by Legendary Entertainment, with Alison Schapker, known for her work in Fringe and Altered Carbon, serving as the showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
Dune: Prophecy has already attracted a talented cast. Emily Watson, known for her roles in Gosford Park, The Theory of Everything, and Chernobyl, is set to play the main character, Valya Harkonnen. Other notable actors like Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chloe Lea, Travis Fimmel, and Mark Strong are also part of the show's roster, taking on roles such as Tula Harkonnen, Empress Natalya, Princess Ynez, and more.
Dune: Messiah (Movie)
A third Dune movie is in development
Dune 2 Irulan and Paul - A third Dune movie is in development - Dune: Messiah (Movie)
There is a strong possibility that Dune: Messiah, the third movie in Denis Villeneuve's Dune series, will be happening soon. Following the success of the first Dune film, Warner Bros. has already given the green light for Dune: Part Two. With the second movie receiving critical acclaim and performing well at the box office, it is likely that Dune: Messiah will be officially confirmed. The storyline of Dune: Messiah will take place 12 years after the events of the first Dune novel.
The future of the Dune series on the big screen is looking promising, with the main characters from Dune: Part Two set to continue their journey in the next film. Zendaya's Chani, Timotheé Chalamet's Paul Atreides, and Florence Pugh's Princess Isulan will play key roles, along with Anya Taylor-Joy's Alia, who has a significant presence in the story. Director Denis Villeneuve is keen on creating a Dune trilogy and has mentioned that the screenplay for Dune: Part 3 is nearly complete.
What Denis Villeneuve has said about the future
Timothée Chalamet smiling as Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two - What Denis Villeneuve has said about the future - Will Any Other Dune Books Be Made Into Movies?
Denis Villeneuve has mentioned that he will not continue with the Dune franchise after the third film, stating that "Dune Messiah should be the last Dune movie for me." While he may change his mind in the future, it seems unlikely that he will be involved in any future Dune projects. If Dune: Prophecy is successful, viewers can anticipate more spinoff shows and movies that will further explore the world of the live-action Dune franchise.
Editor's P/S:
The Dune franchise is expanding rapidly, with multiple new installments in the works. The upcoming prequel series "Dune: Prophecy" will explore the origins of the Bene Gesserit, while "Dune: Messiah" continues the story of the main characters from the first two films. Denis Villeneuve, the director of the first two films, has expressed his desire to end his involvement in the franchise after the third film. However, the success of the franchise is likely to lead to more spinoff shows and movies in the future.
The expansion of the Dune franchise is exciting news for fans of the books and the films. The prequel series will provide a deeper dive into the lore of the universe, while the third film will continue the story of the main characters from the first two films. It remains to be seen whether the franchise will continue beyond Denis Villeneuve's involvement, but the success of the first two films suggests that there is a strong appetite for more Dune content.