The roar of the sandworm faded as the Fremen warrior raised her crysknife, the blue of her eyes burning with prophecy. Paul Atreides stood before her, a leader forged in spice and sacrifice, but the path ahead remained shrouded in the mists of time. As a Dune devotee, you’re likely consumed by one thought: who will bring Frank Herbert’s vision to life in the next chapter?
Dune 3: Your Cast Cheat Sheet
Think about the last time you anticipated a movie—the thrill of seeing familiar faces and the excitement of discovering new ones. I’ve assembled a quick-reference guide to the confirmed cast, giving you a head start as we prepare to return to Arrakis. Here’s who you can expect to see:
| Cast Name | Character Name |
| Timothee Chalamet | Paul Atreides |
| Zendaya | Chani |
| Florence Pugh | Princess Irulan |
| Robert Pattinson | Scytale |
| Anya Taylor-Joy | Alia Atreides |
| Jason Momoa | Duncan Idaho |
| Rebecca Ferguson | Lady Jessica |
| Nakoa-Wolf Momoa | Leto II Atreides |
| Ida Brooke | Ghanima Atreides |
Think of this table as your personal spice harvester, gathering essential information as we await the next sandworm sighting. Now, let’s get into the specifics.
Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides
Consider a photograph fading with age—the subject remains, but the colors shift, revealing new depths. That’s Paul Atreides in Dune 3. He’s no longer the boy we met; he’s an Emperor, haunted. Prepare yourself: Chalamet might just redefine complex performance as Paul grapples with power and destiny.
How did Timothée Chalamet prepare for Dune?
Chalamet didn’t just show up on set. His previous roles, such as Elio in Call Me By Your Name, showcase his capacity for emotionally intricate characters—essential training for portraying the conflicted Muad’Dib. He’s previously stated how much he enjoys working with director Denis Villeneuve, so expect the pair to be a solid match once more.
Zendaya as Chani
Recall a compass, always pointing true north, regardless of the storm. That’s Zendaya’s Chani in Dune 3. She started as a fierce warrior, but now she is evolving into Paul’s moral anchor, challenging his ascent to power. Watch for Zendaya to deliver a performance that’s both powerful and deeply human.
Zendaya, since her early days on Disney, has become a powerhouse. Her work in Euphoria proves she can handle complex, grounded roles. This makes her the ideal choice to portray Chani’s evolving perspective.
Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
Remember that chess piece, held in reserve, waiting for the opportune moment? That’s Princess Irulan. Florence Pugh only had a brief appearance in Dune: Part Two, but Irulan’s marriage to Paul masks a sharp understanding of the empire. Get ready for Pugh to reveal Irulan’s hidden depths and challenge the power balance.
Pugh continues to build her reputation as a performer who embodies quiet strength, evident in projects like Oppenheimer and Little Women. It will be interesting to watch the dynamic between her and Chalamet.
Robert Pattinson as Scytale
Imagine a chameleon, its skin shifting to reflect its surroundings. This is Scytale, debuting in Dune 3. A shapeshifter, Scytale is the primary antagonist who will use manipulation to undermine Muad’Dib’s rule. Pattinson, known for roles that explore inner turmoil, is perfectly cast to play this dangerous character.
From his early heartthrob days, Pattinson has reinvented himself with roles in movies like The Batman and The Lighthouse. He portrays characters driven by ambition and paranoia, a perfect fit for Scytale.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides
Think of a single spark that ignites a raging fire. That’s Alia Atreides. Appearing briefly in Dune: Part Two, she will have a more important role in the third film. Expect Taylor-Joy to make Alia a central figure, an ally to Paul with unusual abilities.
Who is Anya Taylor-Joy?
Before her casting in Dune, Taylor-Joy starred in diverse roles such as The Queen’s Gambit and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Each role reveals her aptitude for playing intriguing characters. Working with agencies like CAA (Creative Artists Agency) has further propelled her career.
Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho
Envision a warrior’s spirit, unyielding and loyal, reborn against all odds. Duncan Idaho, a fan favorite, died in the first film, but he’s returning as a clone. With restored memories, he will have to navigate his identity and free will.
Momoa has earned a following through roles in Aquaman and Game of Thrones. What stands out in Dune is that his strength lies in both physicality and emotion, setting the stage for a nuanced return.
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
Think of a puppeteer, subtly influencing events from behind the curtain. Lady Jessica started as a mother torn between love and duty. Now, she is actively involved in shaping the chaos. Ferguson’s portrayal will be more dominant, showcasing Jessica’s evolution.
Who will direct Dune 3?
While casting is crucial, direction is equally important. Denis Villeneuve is slated to direct Dune 3, continuing his masterful interpretation of Herbert’s complex universe. The production might use tools like DaVinci Resolve for color grading.
With titles such as Silo and Doctor Sleep, Ferguson often embodies women who command attention through action rather than words. Expect her to bring that same presence to Dune 3.
Here are two additional characters that may be a setup for the franchise’s future:
- Nakoa-Wolf Momoa as Leto II Atreides
- Ida Brooke as Ghanima Atreides
This is your guide to the main cast of Dune 3. Of course, many other talented actors will contribute, but these are the key players to watch. Will Dune 3 surpass its predecessors, or will it crumble under the weight of expectation?