Timothée Chalamet’s new shaved hairstyle signals a major development for his character in the upcoming Dune: Part Three, currently filming under Denis Villeneuve. This change is closely tied to the storyline’s progression, particularly rooted in the events of Frank Herbert’s sequel novel, Dune Messiah, which explores Paul Atreides’ darker transformation as emperor.
Chalamet’s Hair Marks a Shift in Paul Atreides’ Journey
From the beginning, Timothée Chalamet has embodied Paul Atreides, evolving his portrayal as the story progressed. While Dune introduced him as the hopeful heir of House Atreides, Part Two concluded with Paul solidifying his rule as Paul Mu’adib, the Padishah Emperor who defeated House Harkonnen. With that victory, Chalamet’s appearance—the signature curly hair framing his intense gaze—became a symbol of Paul’s power and presence.
However, a recent video shared by Chalamet at the Marty Supreme premiere shows the actor with a completely buzzed head, stirring speculation about his character’s fate and future look. Marty Supreme, an unrelated film directed by Josh Safdie, has already wrapped, but Chalamet’s shaved head is thought to be a direct result of his role in the Dune sequel, filming simultaneously.
pic.twitter.com/hZj4y5FNN6— Timothée Chalamet (@RealChalamet) October 7, 2025
The Shaved Head Connects to Paul’s Fate in Dune Messiah
The shaved hairstyle is more than a cosmetic change; it is deeply connected to the narrative of Dune Messiah. Frank Herbert’s sequel to Dune paints a much darker, more complex portrait of Paul Atreides. Unlike the young leader forced into a difficult position in the first book, this Paul has become a harsh ruler, using his authority to launch a Fremen jihad that relentlessly crushes opposition.
The novel explores themes of political intrigue and betrayal, as Paul faces a clandestine conspiracy led by figures such as Princess Irulan—his politically motivated wife—and the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Mohiam. Other conspirators include Edric of the Spacing Guild, the shapeshifting Tleilaxu facedancer Scytale, and higher powers working against Paul’s reign. These elements hint at the turbulence awaiting in the upcoming film adaptation.
Foreshadowing and Character Developments from the Films
Denis Villeneuve’s prior films have already seeded some of this complexity by unveiling familial twists and secret motivations, such as Jessica’s connection to the Baron Harkonnen and the conflicted role of Paul’s sister Alia. Among all visual cues, Chalamet’s shaved look serves as a striking symbol of the story’s darker turn, emphasizing Paul’s physical and emotional transformation in the face of mounting challenges.
The shaved head specifically points to the climax of Dune Messiah, where Paul is blinded in an attack by a stone burner, an atomic weapon deployed by the conspirators. Despite his blindness, Paul depends on his prescient abilities to maintain control, a harrowing moment that likely required Chalamet’s dramatic new appearance during filming.
What This Means for the Future of Dune
While Paul’s story continues beyond these events in the original trilogy, Chalamet’s recent look strongly indicates that Dune: Part Three will cover this pivotal, darker phase of his journey. Fans awaiting the release can expect to see a different, more ruthless Paul—a leader shaped by sacrifice, betrayal, and loss. The shaved hairstyle acts as a visual harbinger of this transformation, reflecting the narrative intensity and political tension central to the next installment.
Dune: Part Three is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 18, 2026, promising to delve deeper into the complex themes and characters introduced by Frank Herbert and brought to life by Villeneuve and Chalamet’s compelling performance.
— Timothée Chalamet (@RealChalamet) October 7, 2025
