Robert Pattinson has officially confirmed his role as a villain in Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming Dune: Part Three, ending months of speculation among fans eager to see who would fill the antagonist position after Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two. Pattinson revealed this during an interview with IndieWire while promoting his latest film Die My Love, confirming that he has already filmed scenes for the highly anticipated sci-fi sequel.
Alongside Pattinson, notable new cast members include Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke, cast as the twin children of Paul Atreides and Chani, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya respectively. Pattinson shared a glimpse into his experience working on the film, remembering the extreme conditions on set. He said,
“When I was doing Dune, it was so hot in the desert that I just couldn’t question anything. And it was so relaxing, like my brain actually wasn’t operating; I did not have a single functioning brain cell. And I was just listening to Denis: ‘Whatever you want!’”
— Robert Pattinson, Actor
Possible Identity of Pattinson’s Villain and Story Implications
Although no official confirmation exists regarding the exact character Pattinson is playing, long-standing rumors suggest he embodies Scytale, the shape-shifting antagonist from Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah—expected to be adapted in Part Three. Scytale is known as a master of disguise and manipulation, using psychological tactics to destabilize Paul’s leadership and control over the empire. Pattinson’s confirmation of a villainous role strongly supports these speculations, promising an intense new adversary for the saga’s protagonist.
Challenging Filming Conditions on the Dune Sets
The Dune productions have consistently exposed their casts to punishing desert climates, making survival stories almost as memorable as the films themselves. On the set of Dune: Part Two, Austin Butler described the environment to Entertainment Weekly as feeling “like a microwave,” with multiple crew members suffering heatstroke during early filming days. This grueling heat, while physically demanding, fostered a tense yet bonding atmosphere among those involved.
Zendaya also detailed her struggles with the heat during the Jordan shoot, explaining that her elaborate costume required around 10 minutes to remove. To reduce bathroom trips that could disrupt shooting, she limited her water intake, nearly risking heatstroke. Villeneuve’s insistence on filming amid authentic desert settings adds a layer of realism to the movies but brings significant physical challenges for the actors and crew alike.
Despite these harsh conditions, filming on location results in distinctive visual authenticity. The integration of actual sunlight, sand, and desert textures with cutting-edge visual effects has earned the franchise critical acclaim, including Oscars for Best Visual Effects and nominations for Best Cinematography. This commitment to authenticity elevates the films above typical sci-fi blockbusters, and Pattinson’s remarks suggest that Dune: Part Three will maintain this high standard.
When the Sequel Will Arrive and Streaming Options for Previous Films
Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two are currently available to stream on HBO Max, giving audiences the chance to catch up on the saga before the next installment. Scheduled for release on December 18, 2026, Dune: Part Three will expand the story further, with Robert Pattinson’s new villainous character poised to alter the course of the narrative in significant ways. Fans can expect a continuation of the franchise’s intense atmosphere and striking visuals when the film hits theaters.
