Ah yes, more Timothée Chalamet news to keep us afloat for the next while - rejoice! Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is officially getting a sequel, set to premiere in cinemas on 20 October, 2023 - only a year's more anticipation for a tonne more sand to hit your screens.
An announcement that has been cooking for a while, Villeneuve has been hinting at a sequel since the release of the first one, especially since the the first part of the film also ends with Zendaya’s character, Chani, ominously stating, “This is only the beginning".
Previously, the director noted that he originally wanted to shoot both parts of Dune at the same time. “For several reasons, it didn’t happen, and I agreed to the challenge of making part one and then wait to see if the movie rings enough enthusiasm.” He explained earlier this year.
“This is only the beginning... Thank you to those who have experienced Dune so far, and those who are going in the days and weeks ahead. We’re excited to continue the journey!” The production company Legendary tweeted alongside the official announcement of part two. The film seems to be going ahead following it's astronomical reception from audiences who have been waiting for the film essentially since the beginning of the pandemic.
This is only the beginning...
Thank you to those who have experienced @dunemovie so far, and those who are going in the days and weeks ahead. We're excited to continue the journey! pic.twitter.com/mZj68Hnm0A
— Legendary (@Legendary) October 26, 2021
“Denis Villeneuve has crafted a film that is both visually extraordinary and emotionally transporting, as evidenced by its global success both critically and at the box office,” added Toby Emmerich, chairman of Warner Bros Picture Group. “We are thrilled to continue on this journey with Denis and his cast and crew, and our partners at Legendary, and can’t wait to bring the next chapter of this epic tale to theaters in October 2023.”
As for the plot, it is expected that the story will follow on as told by Frank Herbert's 1965 novel of the same name. According to hints from Chalamet himself, for those who feel as though Zendaya didn't get enough screen time in part one, part two may see her take on a "huge role" as a member of Arrakis’ native population, the Fremen.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times in October 2021, Villeneuve promised that part two will centre on characters that were "less developed" in the first film. “I will have time to develop some characters that were left aside a little bit". Yes, dear pals the man is talking about Zendaya who barely appeared in the 2 and a half hour long first film.
Who will star in the Dune sequel?
It is expected that Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, and Javier Bardem will all return to the cast for the second part of the film. With news just announced that Florence Pugh is in negotiations to join the cast, as is Elvis lead Austin Butler. While not confirmed, sources say Pugh will play Princess Irulan Corrino, the eldest daughter to Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV, with a larger part on offer if Dune 3 is greenlit. Butler, on the other hand, is intended for the role of Baron Harkonnen's evil nephew, which was famously played by Sting in David Lynch's Dune.
Yet another exciting development for an already stellar cast. So now begs the question: will there be a part three?
