Understanding the Delay in Greenlighting Dune 3

Despite the success of the first two movies, the announcement of Dune: Part Three has not been made yet. However, fans should not worry as Warner Bros. is waiting for a key figure's confirmation before moving forward with the franchise.

Director Denis Villeneuve's current Dune movies are based on a 1965 novel by Frank Herbert. He plans to adapt the first two books, Dune and Dune Messiah, into the first two movies, with Dune: Part Three coming from the second book. As the trilogy is two-thirds complete, the cast of Dune: Part Two is eagerly awaiting news on when they will reunite for the next installment.

Legendary & Warner Bros. Are Waiting On Denis Villeneuve To Announce Dune 3

The Dune director is currently writing the script for the third movie

Timothée Chalamet as Paul looking at the horizon in Dune Part Two - The Dune director is currently writing the script for the third movie - Legendary & Warner Bros. Are Waiting On Denis Villeneuve To Announce Dune 3

Fans have been eagerly waiting for a third Dune movie, but Legendary CEO Josh Goode has mentioned that there are certain conditions that need to be met for Dune: Part Three to happen. One of the challenges is aligning all the creative stakeholders, but the biggest factor seems to be that Denis Villeneuve has not finished writing the script for the next movie. However, Villeneuve has confirmed that he is currently working on the script for the third installment of the Dune franchise. This means that a more concrete announcement from the director could be on the horizon.

Denis Villeneuve Intends To Make Dune 3 After Taking A Break

Speaking with Den of Geek, Villeneuve expressed his preference for not discussing projects that were still in the early stages. He emphasized the importance of staying quiet during such delicate times when ideas are still evolving. Based on the Dune director's remarks, it seems like he is fully dedicated to creating a second sequel. All that is needed now is for Villeneuve to openly confirm that he has a completed script in order for the project to be officially greenlit. Once the announcement is made that the final Dune movie script is finished, the other aspects of production can begin falling into place.

Villeneuve has other projects to work on before he can make another Dune movie

Timothee Chalamet in ragtag attire wearing a respiration device in his nose while crossing the desert in Dune: Part One. - Villeneuve has other projects to work on before he can make another Dune movie - Denis Villeneuve Intends To Make Dune 3 After Taking A Break

Denis Villeneuve plans to wrap up the franchise with Dune 3, but he has other projects in the pipeline. This means he has to put his adventures on Arrakis on hold to dedicate himself to his upcoming movies. Although Dune parts 1 and 2 were not filmed back-to-back, each movie was a massive project for the director. As a result, he did not have the opportunity to work on other films while focusing on the creation of his trilogy. Villeneuve has at least two new movies on the horizon that he will need to concentrate on before returning to Dune.

If Villeneuve's plan to adapt the second Dune book for the third movie is still in place, then the director stepping away for a little while could actually work to the film's benefit. Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah, which was first published in 1969, features an in-world time jump. As such, the story takes place 12 years after the events of the first book. While it's unlikely that Villeneuve will want to wait over a decade to resume work on his movie trilogy, it at least creates some form of parallel between Dune: Part Three and its source material.

Dune: Part Three hasn't started shooting yet, but Hans Zimmer has already written some of the music for the third movie in the trilogy.

Dune: Part Two's Box Office Assures That Dune 3 Will Be Greenlit Eventually

Dune's financial success is a huge advantage

Zendaya looking surprised as Chani in Dune: Part Two - Dune's financial success is a huge advantage - Dune: Part Two's Box Office Assures That Dune 3 Will Be Greenlit Eventually

Dune: Part Two had a strong start at the box office, indicating that it may surpass the success of the first movie. If the second film falls short financially, it could affect the chances of Villeneuve completing his trilogy. However, considering the positive reception of both movies, it is unlikely that Dune: Part Two will fail at the box office. The critical acclaim received by the films so far suggests that a third installment may be on the horizon.

When Will Dune 3 Be Announced And Released?

Even though Dune was a box office success, Denis Villeneuve's previous film, Blade Runner 2049, did not meet financial expectations. This raises concerns about the potential performance of Dune: Part Two.

The gap between the previous two Dune movies can be used as a rough guide

a close-up of Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides in Dune Part 2. - The gap between the previous two Dune movies can be used as a rough guide - When Will Dune 3 Be Announced And Released?

In 2017, Villeneuve was chosen as the director for Dune: Part One, which was finally released in 2021. The wait for Dune: Part Two was slightly shorter, with a three-year gap between its announcement and its release in 2024. This shows that making the Dune movies is a time-consuming process. Villeneuve's decision to take a break will likely result in an even longer wait for the final installment.

Before moving forward, the announcement of Dune: Part Three is pending, depending on Villeneuve's completion of a satisfactory script. Alongside adapting Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah for production, Villeneuve also has other film projects in the pipeline. Considering these factors, it is possible that the next chapter in Paul Atreides' story, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, may not be revealed until 2025.

The announcement for Dune: Part Two was made through a press release, suggesting that the next movie could also be revealed in a similar low-key manner. One possibility is that Denis Villeneauve's readiness to proceed with the third movie could be unveiled at CinemaCon in April 2025. If all goes well and everything is approved, we may have to wait another three years before Dune: Part Three hits theaters around 2028.

For those eager to dive into the Dune universe, the first movie is now available for streaming on Hulu and Max. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two is currently showing in cinemas for fans to enjoy.

Sources: Polygon, Den of Geek

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an insightful update on the highly anticipated Dune: Part Three. While fans eagerly await the conclusion of the trilogy, it is evident that the announcement and release of the final chapter hinge upon Denis Villeneuve's completion of the script. Villeneuve's dedication to his craft is admirable, and his commitment to delivering a compelling adaptation is reassuring. However, the article raises concerns about the impact of Villeneuve's other projects on the timeline for Dune: Part Three. It is understandable that the director requires time to pursue other creative endeavors, but one hopes that the wait for the final installment won't be excessively long.

The article also highlights the positive box office performance of Dune: Part Two, which bodes well for the likelihood of Dune: Part Three receiving the green light. The critical acclaim and financial success of the previous movies suggest that Villeneuve's vision for the franchise resonates with audiences. Nevertheless, the article acknowledges the possibility of a delay in the announcement of Dune: Part Three due to Villeneuve's schedule. While fans may be disappointed to learn of the potential extended wait, it is important to remember that great art requires time and dedication. Ultimately, the anticipation for Dune: Part Three is a testament to the strength of Villeneuve's storytelling and the enduring appeal of Frank Herbert's classic novel.