Director Denis Villeneuve’s much-anticipated Dune: Part Three is set to expand the epic universe with new faces and major returning players, a dozen years after Paul Atreides first seized power. Central to fan buzz is the Jason Momoa Dune 3 character return, as well as six new characters who will shape the dangerous world around Paul, his allies, and his enemies.
Adapting Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel Dune Messiah, the movie explores Paul (played by Timothée Chalamet) facing new threats to his rule of the Known Universe, as conspiracies close in and old friends reappear in shocking ways, promising intense drama and far-reaching consequences for the future of the Atreides dynasty.
Edric the Navigator: A Mutant Force Among Paul’s Adversaries
Edric the Navigator stands out as one of the most unique additions for Dune: Part Three. Although Edric has the appearance of an alien, he is actually a human member of the Spacing Guild, heavily mutated by long-term exposure to the spice that fuels interstellar travel. This mutation grants him the power to fold space, making him invaluable for space travel and positioning the Guild as one of the universe’s most influential groups.
The last notable appearance of Edric in film was the 1984 adaptation of Dune, where he supported Emperor Shaddam IV’s plans against House Atreides. In Villeneuve’s interpretation, Edric will debut as a principal antagonist, orchestrating a conspiracy with the Spacing Guild to assassinate and overthrow Emperor Paul Atreides.
While Villeneuve’s previous Dune films have featured representatives of the Guild, the full introduction of Edric provides an opportunity to showcase a visually extraordinary character rarely seen in the franchise. The portrayal of Edric is highly anticipated, as Dune films thus far have avoided prominently featuring mutated or alien-like beings, making this addition a landmark moment for fans of Herbert’s universe.
Scytale: The Shape-Shifting Mastermind from the Bene Tleilax
A formidable new villain emerges in the form of Scytale, a member of the sinister Bene Tleilax and one of their most notorious Face Dancers—gifted shapeshifters capable of blending in among Paul’s allies. Previously, Face Dancers have made brief appearances, but Scytale’s inclusion in Dune: Part Three is set to leave a significant mark on the story.
Scytale’s role is crucial in the plot to bring down Paul and his family. In the Dune Messiah novel, Scytale almost succeeds in killing both Paul and his children, manipulating the situation using deception and the promise of resurrecting the dead as gholas—biologically engineered clones. This manipulation makes Scytale one of the greatest threats Paul has ever faced.
Reportedly, Robert Pattinson will portray Scytale in the film, adding a charismatic edge to this dangerous opponent. As Scytale impersonates people close to Paul on Arrakis and maneuvers to destabilize the Atreides dynasty, the character’s storyline will bring tension and unpredictability to the epic saga, culminating in a suspenseful confrontation with the Emperor himself.
Duncan Idaho/Hayt: Jason Momoa’s Surprising Return
Jason Momoa is set to make a highly anticipated return to the franchise as Duncan Idaho, but with a twist. Although the original Duncan perished in the first film defending Paul and Lady Jessica from the Imperial Sardaukar, he will return in Part Three as a clone, now named Hayt, created by the Bene Tleilax and presented to Paul by Edric in an attempt to undermine his leadership.
Duncan Idaho’s presence remains pivotal for the ongoing narrative. Hayt, as the clone of Paul’s trusted mentor, is a deeply conflicted character—serving as an agent programmed to assassinate Paul while wrestling with remnants of the original Duncan’s loyalty and humanity. Hayt’s existence injects emotional turmoil into Paul’s life, capable of profoundly affecting his decisions as Emperor.
In the original source material, Hayt’s journey may even lead to a close relationship with Paul’s sister, Alia. How closely Villeneuve follows this storyline remains to be seen, but the revival of Jason Momoa’s role as Duncan/Hayt ensures that returning fans have a compelling reason to be invested in Dune: Part Three’s battles and betrayals.
Leto II Atreides: The Next Generation of Atreides Power
Leto II Atreides, son and heir of Paul and Chani, is poised to play a transformative role in Dune: Part Three. Bearing the name of Paul’s father, Leto II will be portrayed by Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, the real-life son of Jason Momoa, marking a symbolic continuation of both character and actor legacy in the series.
Leto II’s significance stems from his destiny as the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach. Ultimately, he uses his extraordinary abilities to transform into an immortal, worm-like entity, becoming “God Emperor Leto” and setting humanity on the Golden Path—a future that ensures the survival and flourishing of humankind, as depicted in the later books of the Dune series.
While fans have previously seen Leto II in the Children of Dune TV miniseries, this cinematic introduction will lay the groundwork for future sequels, with Leto II inheriting his father’s empire and steering it through profound and far-reaching changes. The fate and evolution of Leto II are central to the long-term vision of the Dune saga.
Ghanima Atreides: Paul and Chani’s Gifted Daughter
Ghanima, the daughter of Paul and Chani and twin sister to Leto II, will also make her first appearance in Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three. Ida Brooke, known for her roles in Silo and The Primrose Railway Children, takes on the role, promising to introduce a new dynamic among the Atreides siblings.
Ghanima, like her brother, is born with access to the wisdom and memories of her ancestors, a trait that allows her to provide critical counsel to Leto II during the events following Dune Messiah. While Ghanima’s role in the third film may be relatively modest, the portrayal is expected to lay the foundation for her future prominence in the evolving narrative of the Dune universe.
Previous adaptations, including Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune miniseries, introduced Ghanima to fans, but Villeneuve’s interpretation aims to more deeply explore her abilities and the crucial influence she wields over her family’s destiny, ensuring Ghanima remains vital to the future trajectory of the Atreides empire.
Alia Atreides: Paul’s Mysterious and Powerful Sister
Alia Atreides, Paul’s enigmatic younger sister, is set for a full-fledged debut in the third installment. While she appeared to Paul as a vision in Dune: Part II as portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy, Alia’s birth and dramatic entrance into Paul’s life come as the result of the time progression into Dune Messiah.
Alia’s unique development, expedited by her exposure to the Water of Life while still in utero, leads to her maturing into a physically adult form at the age of 12—a detail that enables Taylor-Joy to convincingly step into the role. In the original narrative, Alia is a fierce and complex figure, deeply entangled in the psychic struggles and political machinations of her family.
The relationship between Alia and her mother Jessica, as well as her pivotal role alongside her brother Paul, introduces intense layers of tension and passion. The film’s depiction of Alia, given her preternatural wisdom and adulthood despite her youth, promises to challenge audience perceptions and drive the story into uncharted territory.
A Stellar Cast Returns and New Alliances Form
The cast for Dune: Part Three brings back familiar faces and introduces new talent, heightening anticipation for the saga’s next chapter. Timothée Chalamet continues as Paul Atreides, while Florence Pugh returns as Princess Irulan, Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the transformative role of Alia Atreides, and Zendaya embodies Chani. The ensemble underlines the deepening conflicts and emotional depth at the heart of the Dune story.
Lasting Impact on the Dune Universe
Dune: Part Three promises to be a pivotal entry, weaving together old and new arcs while introducing complex characters who hold the fate of the Atreides empire and the known universe in their hands. The return of Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, along with the arrival of key figures like Edric, Scytale, Leto II, Ghanima, and Alia, signals a shift toward a more expansive and dramatic exploration of power, loyalty, and inevitable change.
With Denis Villeneuve guiding the adaptation and a cast that includes returning favorites and new stars, viewers can expect an emotionally charged and intense cinematic experience, as longstanding rivalries, betrayals, and destinies come to a head. As the saga continues, Dune: Part Three is set to leave its mark, shaping the direction of science fiction film for years to come.
