Denis Villeneuve Says ‘Dune Messiah’ Will Happen Only if it’s “Better” Than ‘Dune: Part Two’

Director Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on ‘Dune’ and its upcoming sequel, ‘Dune: Part Two,’ has shared his thoughts on the possibility of a third instalment in the sci-fi franchise.

In an interview with Empire magazine, Villeneuve addressed the newly-released ‘Dune: Part Two,’ which completes his adaptation of Frank Herbert’s first “Dune” book. While Villeneuve has previously hinted at the potential for a third film, he clarified that he’s planning to take a break before considering it further.

Also Read: ‘Dune 3’: Everything You Need to Know

He explained, “I did both movies back-to-back, which makes absolute sense for me. I felt that it was a good idea to move forward right after Part One. We were already designing, writing, et cetera. But it also meant that for six years I was on Arrakis non-stop, and I think it will be healthy to step back a little bit.”

Although Villeneuve is not ruling out the possibility of a third film, he outlined specific criteria that would need to be met. He emphasised the importance of having a strong screenplay and expressed his desire to avoid rushing into production without adequate preparation. “First, make sure that we have a strong screenplay,” he stated.

“The thing I want to avoid is not having something ready… We need to make sure all the ideas are on paper.”

Concluding his remarks on the topic, Villeneuve asserted that any potential continuation of the franchise must surpass the quality of Part Two. “If we go back, it needs to be real, it needs to be relevant,” he said. “If ever I do ‘Dune Messiah,’ it’s because it’s going to be better than Part Two. Otherwise, I won’t do it.”

‘Dune: Part Two,’ which was released earlier this month, has received praise for its immersive experience, stunning visuals and thrilling set pieces, promising an exciting continuation of the epic saga.