Robert Pattinson Eyed for Key Role in Dune 3: Who Could He Play?

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures’ upcoming Dune film is gaining momentum. Director Denis Villeneuve will helm Dune 3, joined by returning stars like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. A major casting update reveals that Robert Pattinson is in talks for a significant role in Dune 3. It seems The Batman isn’t the only blockbuster Warner Bros. franchise Pattinson may headline in the coming years.

Details remain scarce about which character Pattinson might portray, though THR hints he could play a villain. Drawing from the endpoint of Dune: Part Two and Frank Herbert’s Dune novels, we can speculate on the roles Pattinson is most likely to take on in the next installment.

Scytale

If Dune 3 primarily adapts Dune Messiah, the first sequel novel, and saves Children of Dune for later films, Pattinson’s options for new characters are limited. Among the Dune Messiah cast, Scytale stands out as a strong possibility, and THR reports suggest he’s the frontrunner for Pattinson.

Scytale is the central antagonist in Messiah, orchestrating a conspiracy to topple Emperor Paul Atreides, who commands a vast army of devoted Fremen followers. While the first two Dune films charted Paul’s rise from noble heir to fierce Fremen leader, the third will likely explore the burdens of his galactic rule. Power, as always, comes at a steep price.

Scheming against Paul is no easy feat, given his near-omniscient foresight. Scytale, alongside allies like Charlotte Rampling’s Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam and a spice-addicted Guild Navigator named Edric, exploits the Navigators’ ability to warp time and space, shielding their plans from Paul’s visions.

Scytale is a captivating figure, perfectly suited for Pattinson’s talents. As a Face Dancer shapeshifter and a member of the cunning Bene Tleilax, he offers Pattinson a chance to embrace a villainous role, a departure from his usual heroic parts.

Moreover, Scytale’s arc allows Pattinson to potentially return in future Dune sequels. Without revealing spoilers, his fate in Dune Messiah leaves the door open for further appearances, defying conventional barriers like time or mortality.

Scytale seems the most probable role for Pattinson, but other villainous characters could also suit his skills. Let’s explore additional possibilities.

Leto Atreides II

Given Pattinson’s star power and resemblance to Chalamet, it’s tempting to imagine him as another Atreides, specifically Paul’s son, Leto Atreides II, a pivotal figure in the Dune saga.

The Dune series features two Leto IIs, named after Paul’s late father (played by Oscar Isaac in the first film). The elder Leto II, a minor figure in the original novel, dies in a Sardaukar raid, fueling Paul’s vengeance. This subplot was omitted in Dune: Part Two.

The younger Leto Atreides II appears as an infant in Dune Messiah but grows into the protagonist of Children of Dune and a key figure in God Emperor of Dune, where he transforms into the iconic half-human, half-worm ruler. James McAvoy portrayed this character in the 2003 Children of Dune miniseries.

Since Dune 3 is expected to focus on Dune Messiah, casting Pattinson as an infant seems unlikely. However, Dune: Part Two introduced spice-induced visions of future family members, like Anya Taylor-Joy’s cameo as Paul’s unborn sister Alia. Could Pattinson appear as Leto II in a similar vision?

The films are also diverging from the books, as seen with Chani’s altered arc in Dune: Part Two. Villeneuve might blend elements of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, potentially casting Pattinson as an older Leto II to set up his future prominence in the franchise.

Should Pattinson play Leto II, it would secure his long-term role in the series, given the character’s central place in Herbert’s universe. Fans would no doubt relish seeing Pattinson embody the eccentric, godlike worm emperor.

Prince Farad’n Corrino

If Dune 3 merges elements of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, another option emerges: Prince Farad’n.

Farad’n, grandson of the ousted Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (played by Christopher Walken in Dune: Part Two), is a key antagonist in Children of Dune. Raised on the brutal planet Salusa Secundus and trained as a Sardaukar warrior, he’s groomed to restore his family’s throne.

Farad’n is compelling because he’s a reluctant villain, driven more by his mother Wensicia’s ambitions than his own. He’d rather study than scheme. Pattinson could shine as this conflicted figure, a sympathetic antagonist in a treacherous galaxy.

Dune: Part 2 Character Posters

A New Fremen Character

Dune: Part Two significantly deviates from the source material, particularly with Chani’s arc. Unlike the novel, where she embraces Paul’s destiny, the film sees her reject his holy war and return to Arrakis, disillusioned.

This shift suggests Dune 3 won’t strictly follow Dune Messiah. Villeneuve may introduce original characters or villains absent from Herbert’s novels. Could Pattinson play one of these new creations?

One possibility is a new Fremen leader aligned with Chani’s anti-Paul faction. These rebels oppose Paul’s galactic crusade. Pattinson could portray a charismatic warrior challenging Paul’s authority, perhaps echoing Feyd-Rautha’s menace but with a nobler cause.

From Paul’s perspective, this character would be a villain, but Herbert’s novels critique charismatic leaders. Pattinson’s role could highlight the dangers of Paul’s rule, opposing his destructive ambitions.

A love triangle involving Paul, Chani, and Pattinson’s character is also plausible. Despite her anger, Chani’s feelings for Paul persist. The story must still lead to the birth of Leto II and Ghanima, potentially forcing Chani to choose between Paul and a new figure played by Pattinson.

Which Dune character do you think Pattinson will play? Cast your vote in our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below:

For more on the Dune franchise’s future, discover what major spoiler Jason Momoa revealed about the next film.