With Dune: Part Two now playing in many parts of the world, all eyes are set on Dune 3. Which book will it adapt from the next 22 novels and what will its story be? Here’s everything you need to know.
Which Frank Herbert novel will Dune 3 be based on?
Denis Villeneuve has confirmed that Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah will inspire his Dune 3.
While there are 23 Dune books, Frank Herbert only wrote 6. His list of books is as follows:
- Dune (1965) by Frank Herbert.
- Dune Messiah (1969) by Frank Herbert.
- Children of Dune (1976) by Frank Herbert.
- God Emperor of Dune (1981) by Frank Herbert.
- Heretics of Dune (1984) by Frank Herbert.
- Chapterhouse: Dune (1985) by Frank Herbert.
Following these 6, Brian Herbert (Frank Herbert’s eldest son) wrote all other books alongside Kevin J. Anderson. But out of the 6 originals, Denis Villeneuve will only adapt the first 2.
The first and second Dune movies were based on the 1965 book as Villeneuve covered half of it with Dune (2021) and the next half was brought to life by Part Two. But now, Part 3 will cover the entire second book, Dune Messiah. While it’s unconfirmed, the threequel could also take on the same title as the book.
After the rise of Paul Atreides, Dune Messiah picks up the story 12 years after the first book ended. It pushes Paul deeper into intergalactic politics and covers the consequences of his actions in the previous book.
Speaking with Time magazine, Villeneuve talked about his third Dune movie, saying:
“’Dune Messiah’ should be the last ‘Dune’ movie for me.”
He added:
“The screenplay is almost finished but it is not finished. It will take a little time … There’s a dream of making a third movie … it would make absolute sense to me.”
While Dune 3 hasn’t been officially announced by Warner Bros. yet, it is likely to happen considering Part 2’s box office potential.
For more updates, dive into our Dune 2 ending breakdown.
