Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are gearing up for the next chapter of the Dune saga. Director Denis Villeneuve will helm Dune 3, joined by returning stars 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, according to Deadline. Beyond The Batman, Pattinson may soon be part of another major Warner Bros. franchise.

While his exact role remains unconfirmed, THR hints Pattinson could portray a villain. Based on the ending of Dune: Part Two and Frank Herbert’s novels, several possibilities emerge for Pattinson’s character in the upcoming film. Here’s a look at the most likely roles he might take on.

Scytale

If Dune 3 focuses on adapting Dune Messiah, the first sequel novel, and reserves Children of Dune for future films, Pattinson’s options are limited. Among the new characters in Messiah, Scytale stands out as a prime candidate, with THR suggesting Pattinson may take this role.

Scytale is the central antagonist in Dune Messiah, leading a conspiracy to topple Emperor Paul Atreides, who commands a vast army of devoted Fremen. While the first two films charted Paul’s rise from noble heir to Fremen messiah, Dune 3 will likely explore his struggles as a galactic ruler. Leadership, as always, comes with heavy burdens.

Plotting against Paul is no easy task, given his near-superhuman foresight. Scytale, allied with figures like Charlotte Rampling’s Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohaim and a Guild Navigator named Edric, exploits the Navigators’ spice-fueled abilities to disrupt Paul’s visions, obscuring their schemes in time and space.

Scytale is a complex figure, a Face Dancer shapeshifter from the Bene Tleilax, offering Pattinson a chance to play a cunning villain. Known for heroic roles in major franchises, Pattinson could shine as this darker, more intricate character.

Scytale’s arc also opens the door for Pattinson to return in future Dune films. Without revealing spoilers, his fate in Dune Messiah suggests neither time nor mortality limits his potential reappearance.

Scytale seems the most likely role, but other villainous characters could suit Pattinson’s talents. Let’s explore a few possibilities.

Leto Atreides II

Given Pattinson’s prominence and resemblance to Chalamet, he could be a natural fit for another Atreides family member, particularly 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 (portrayed by Oscar Isaac). The elder Leto II, a minor figure in the original novel, dies in a Sardaukar attack, fueling Paul’s vengeance. This subplot was omitted in Dune: Part Two.

The younger Leto II, introduced as an infant in Dune Messiah, becomes the protagonist of Children of Dune and a transformative figure in God Emperor of Dune, depicted as a half-human, half-worm entity. James McAvoy played this role in the 2003 Children of Dune miniseries.

Since Dune 3 is expected to adapt 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 Alia. Pattinson could appear as Leto II in a similar vision.

The films also deviate from the books, as seen with Chani’s distinct arc in Dune: Part Two. Villeneuve might blend elements of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, potentially expanding Leto II’s role to justify Pattinson’s casting.

If Pattinson plays Leto II, it would position him for a major role in future films, given the character’s significance in the Dune universe. Fans might eagerly await Pattinson’s take on the eccentric, godlike worm ruler.

Prince Farad’n Corrino

Another possibility arises if Dune 3 incorporates elements of Children of Dune. Could Pattinson portray Prince Farad’n?

As the grandson of the ousted Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken in Dune: Part Two), Farad’n is a key figure in Children of Dune, raised on the harsh world of Salusa Secundus and trained as a Sardaukar warrior. Yet, he’s less driven by ambition than his mother, Wensicia, preferring scholarly pursuits over power.

Farad’n’s reluctance to seize Paul’s throne makes him a nuanced villain, ideal for Pattinson to portray a conflicted figure in this intricate sci-fi world.

Dune: Part 2 Character Posters

A New Fremen Character

Dune: Part Two significantly alters 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, returning to Arrakis disillusioned.

This change suggests Dune 3 may not strictly follow Dune Messiah. Could Villeneuve introduce new characters or villains absent from Herbert’s novels? Might Pattinson play one of these original roles?

Pattinson could portray a new Fremen leader in Chani’s faction, opposing Paul’s reign. This character might challenge Paul’s authority, aligning with Chani’s disillusioned followers who reject his cosmic crusade.

Such a role would cast Pattinson as a villain only from Paul’s perspective. Herbert’s novels warn against charismatic leaders, and Pattinson’s character could embody resistance to Paul’s destructive ambitions, advocating for a less violent path.

Perhaps Dune 3 could introduce a love triangle between Paul, Chani, and Pattinson’s character. Despite her disdain for Paul’s transformation, Chani likely retains complex feelings for him. The film must navigate her journey to conceive Leto II and Ghanima, possibly forcing her to choose between Paul and a new figure played by Pattinson.

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

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