Robert Pattinson Rumored for Dune 3 Role: Which Character?

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are gearing up for the next installment of the Dune saga, with director Denis Villeneuve set to return for Dune 3. The core cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy, will also be back. Excitingly, Deadline has revealed that Robert Pattinson is in talks to join the cast in a significant role. This could mark another major franchise for Pattinson, following his success in The Batman.

At this stage, details are scarce about which character Pattinson might portray, but THR hints that he could be playing a villain. Let's delve into the potential roles Pattinson could take on in Dune 3, based on the ending of Dune: Part Two and the source material from Frank Herbert's novels.

Scytale

If Dune 3 primarily adapts the events of Dune Messiah, the characters from this book are the most likely candidates for Pattinson. The standout choice here is Scytale, who is also the character THR suggests Pattinson might play.

Scytale is the main antagonist in Dune Messiah, orchestrating a plot to dethrone Emperor Paul Atreides, who now rules the galaxy with a fervent army of Fremen followers. The first two films traced Paul's transformation from a noble's son to a messianic figure, and the third film will likely explore the challenges of his reign. Scytale, alongside co-conspirators like Charlotte Rampling's Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohaim, uses the assistance of a Guild Navigator named Edric to evade Paul's prescient visions, thanks to the Navigators' spice-induced manipulation of time and space.

Scytale is a compelling choice for Pattinson, offering a role as a shapeshifting Face Dancer and a member of the technologically adept Bene Tleilax. Known primarily for heroic roles, Pattinson could relish the opportunity to play a villain. Moreover, Scytale's storyline leaves room for Pattinson to return in future sequels.

Leto Atreides II

Given Pattinson's resemblance to Chalamet, another possibility is that he could play Leto Atreides II, Paul's son. The Dune saga features two Leto IIs: the first, a minor character killed off early in the original novel, and the second, introduced in Dune Messiah as an infant who later becomes a central figure in Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune.

Although Dune 3 is expected to focus on Dune Messiah, the films have already shown a willingness to deviate from the source material. Dune: Part Two introduced spice-induced visions of future family members, like Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Paul's unborn sister Alia. Could Pattinson appear in similar visions as Leto II? Furthermore, if Dune 3 blends elements from both Messiah and Children of Dune, as the 2003 miniseries did, Pattinson's casting as Leto II could be a strategic move to keep him involved in the franchise's future.

Prince Farad'n Corrino

Another intriguing possibility is Prince Farad'n, a key character in Children of Dune. As the grandson of the deposed Emperor Shaddam IV (played by Christopher Walken in Dune: Part Two), Farad'n is raised on the harsh world of Salusa Secundus and trained as a Sardaukar. His mother Wensicia's ambition to reclaim the throne drives their actions, but Farad'n himself is more interested in scholarly pursuits. Casting Pattinson as a more sympathetic villain could add depth to the narrative.

A New Fremen Character

Dune: Part Two made significant alterations to the original story, particularly with Chani's character arc. Her disillusionment with Paul's holy war suggests that Dune 3 will not be a straightforward adaptation of Dune Messiah. This opens the door for new characters and plotlines. Could Pattinson play a new Fremen character, perhaps one who opposes Paul and aligns with Chani's faction? Such a character could serve as a moral counterpoint to Paul's actions, aligning with the cautionary themes of Herbert's novels.

This new character could even introduce a love triangle dynamic, complicating Chani's feelings towards Paul and setting the stage for future plot developments, such as the birth of Leto II and his twin sister Ghanima.

For more insights into the future of the Dune franchise, check out the spoiler-y revelation Jason Momoa made about the next movie.

Dune: Part 2 Character Posters

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