Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three” gets official title, IMAX treatment, and returning stars, with a December 2026 release date locked in.
The sandstorms are swirling again—Denis Villeneuve is officially returning to Arrakis with Dune: Part Three, the next chapter in his sci-fi epic based on Frank Herbert’s legendary novels.
After months of speculation, Warner Bros. and Legendary have confirmed the film’s official title: Dune: Part Three. Though early reports suggested it might be called Dune Messiah—a nod to Herbert’s 1969 sequel novel—Part Three is how it will be known, aligning it directly with the previous installments.
The film continues the story of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he rises in power and navigates the burden of becoming emperor.
Another exciting update: parts of the film will be shot using IMAX cameras.
Although IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond previously suggested the entire movie would be filmed in IMAX, it turns out that was a misstatement.
Only certain sequences will be captured using IMAX film cameras, similar to Villeneuve’s previous Dune films.
This follows the precedent of other major blockbusters like Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which used IMAX to stunning visual effect.
In a CNBC interview, Gelfond praised Villeneuve, calling him a “genius filmmaker,” and expressed hope that Villeneuve would bring that same visual artistry to his upcoming reboot of the James Bond franchise at Amazon MGM Studios.
But first, Villeneuve is fully focused on Dune: Part Three, which will begin filming soon.
Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya are both set to return, along with Jason Momoa, who will reprise his role as Duncan Idaho after being absent from Part Two.
The casting surprise has fans buzzing, as Momoa’s return suggests some interesting twists, possibly involving flashbacks or resurrection—a theme consistent with the original Dune lore.
Villeneuve has been clear about his artistic vision for the series.
“It was really a diptych,” he said of the first two films, meaning he always saw them as two parts of a whole adaptation of the first Dune novel.
Dune: Part Three, based on Dune Messiah, will be something different—its own standalone chapter with a new tone and identity.
Meanwhile, Bruce Markoe, senior VP at IMAX, explained the difference between “shot with IMAX” and “Filmed for IMAX” projects.
The former uses IMAX’s unique film cameras, while the latter involves certified digital formats.
Either way, IMAX plays an active role during production, offering technical support and collaboration.
Dune: Part Three is expected to hit theaters in December 2026, bringing fans back to the deserts of Arrakis one more time—for a story that promises to be darker, deeper, and more philosophical than ever.
Are you excited for Paul Atreides’ next chapter? Let us know your thoughts!
