The fourth installment in Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune movie franchise is reportedly in development at Warner Bros. Pictures.
According to a new Patreon post by Daniel Richtman, Dune 4 is officially in development. However, Villeneuve has previously confirmed that he would not return after Dune: Messiah, the third movie in the franchise, which is set to begin production soon.
It was reported that Dune: Messiah is set to begin filming in August 2025. Directed by Villeneuve, the sequel is based on Frank Herbert’s 1969 novel. The story follows Paul Atreides, now Emperor Muad’Dib, as he navigates immense power while battling political foes and a conspiracy within his inner circle. As House Atreides faces collapse, the true danger arises for Paul’s lover, Chani, and their unborn heir.
In an interview with Deadline, Villeneuve shared that his “break” is over and that he will “go back behind the camera faster than I think” to film the third installment of his deep immersion into Frank Herbert’s Dune universe. “I’m in the writing zone right now,” the filmmaker stated, referring to Dune: Messiah, though he was careful not to call it Dune: Part Three.
Villeneuve said, “The story takes place about 12 years after where we left the characters at the end of Part Two. Their journey, their story, is different this time, and that’s why I always say that while it’s the same world, it’s a new film with new circumstances.”
Villeneuve’s Dune film series is now a $1 billion movie franchise. The first film, released in 2021, starred Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgård, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. It grossed over $400 million worldwide and won six Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. Dune: Part Two, released in 2024, grossed $714.4 million globally.
The film will be produced by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures.
Dune: Messiah is set to hit theaters in December 2026.
Source: Daniel Richtman
