Denis Villeneuve has provided a big update on the future of theDunefranchise afterDune 3, and it makes the best and worst possible future a reality. The brilliant director has shepherded Warner Bros. and Legendary’s live-actionDunefranchise for the last several years, helmingDuneandDune: Part Twoin short order. While he’s now attached toDune 3’s developmentand is working towards getting the movie ready to begin production in the coming years, the franchise’s future beyond that point is already in question, especially when it comes to Villeneuve’s involvement.
After the success ofDune: Part Two, the director indicated that he wanted to take a break from the franchise before adapting Frank Herbert’sDune: Messiahfor a third film. However, development has moved forward faster than expected, with a 2026 release date already in mind, leadingVilleneuve to confirm thatDune 3will be his last moviein the franchise. He plans to plant seeds for future movies in the trilogy capper so that another director can step in as he exits the franchise. That is the worst and best thing for Villeneuve and theDunefranchise.
Dune 3 Being Denis Villeneuve’s Last Movie In The Franchise Is Best For His Career
He Can Return To Original Stories
Even though Denis Villeneuve’sDunemovieshave been exceptional pieces of sci-fi storytelling on the grandest scale, it is best for him - and audiences and Hollywood - thatDune 3is his last. Prior to fulfilling his dream of properly adapting Frank Herbert’s novel,he made a name for himself through his bold, original movies. Villeneuve gained a reputation as one of Hollywood’s biggest and best auteurs, challenging the likes of Christopher Nolan with his ability to make excellent movies in the sci-fi, action, and drama genres. He has since applied those skills toDuneto great success.
Dune 3 Is Happening Much Quicker Than Messiah’s Story Should & I Hope 1 Detail Isn’t Changed
Development on Dune 3 is moving quicker than expected for a Dune Messiah adaptation, and it hopefully doesn’t mean Villeneuve changes this detail.
It might be disappointing on some levels to see Villeneuve leave Arrakis behind, but it is muchmore exciting for him to finally return to making original or non-franchise movies. His upcoming projects likeNuclear War: A Scenarioor adapting Arthur C. Clarke’sRendezvous with Ramaare tantalizing examples that could help him deliver heralded modern near-masterpieces, as he did before withArrival. Since he’s only done IP movies since the 2016 sci-fi movie, seeing Villeneuve break free of franchises fulfills his wishes and should result in great, new standalone blockbusters made with some of the biggest stars around.
Denis Villeneuve Not Directing Future Dune Movies Is The Franchise’s Worst Outcome
It might be good for Denis Villeneuve to make movies other thanDunesequels, buthis exit from the franchise is not idealfor the series. This is not because there are no other directors who could possibly adaptFrank Herbert’sDunebooksand make successful entries in this universe. Villeneuve has carefully constructed this version of Arrakis, fixing issues from the book and elevating different characters. His style and approach to the source material is a key reason why theDunemovies have been successful, so his exit is a major loss no matter who comes aboard after.
Whoever is brought on to make future installments will not only have the pressure of following Villeneuve, but they will also have increased challenges to adapt the books
It doesn’t help that the remainingDunebooks are incredibly difficult adaptations. That is part of the reason why Villeneuve wants to leave the franchise after tacklingDune: Messiah, as he gets out beforethe source material spirals into complicated territory. Whoever is brought on to make future installments will not only have the pressure of following Villeneuve, but they will also have increased challenges to adapt the books. David Lynch already showed howDunecan go wrong, and now that Denis Villeneuve got it right, it’s risky for the franchise to continue without him afterDune 3.
