Dune 3 may skip parts of Dune Messiah and bring back shocking characters fans never expected

Frank Herbert's sequel novel, Dune Messiah, which serves as the basis for the film, may not be entirely adapted in Denis Villeneuve's upcoming Dune: Part Three. This presents some intriguing queries regarding the modifications Villeneuve intends to make to the narrative, possibly taking cues from other series novels instead.

With the confirmed appearances of Paul Atreides, Chani, Princess Irulan, Alia Atreides, and Hayt (the ghola of Duncan Idaho), as well as the introduction of Leto II and Ghanima, Paul and Chani's children, Villeneuve is known to remain faithful to the main plot of the second book. Even the casting news for Robert Pattinson's role as Dune Messiah's Scytale has surfaced.

Despite not showing up in Dune Messiah, a number of prominent figures from the Dune universe might make unexpected cameos in Dune 3. In every succeeding sequel, Herbert usually does a fantastic job of bringing in new people, but this frequently means that beloved characters are left behind. Villeneuve already seems to be attempting to evade this prevalent critique.

Gurney Halleck

Josh Brolin's return as Gurney Halleck in Dune: Part Three has already been confirmed, which seems to support the idea that Denis Villeneuve's next film won't be a conventional Dune Messiah adaptation. Gurney doesn't actually appear in that book because Paul and the other members of House Atreides stay on Arrakis while he and Lady Jessica return to Caladan.

The extent of Gurney's new involvement in Dune 3 has not been discussed, however it is most likely that he will stay on Arrakis alongside Paul in this era. Since much of the action in the book occurs there, Villeneuve would have no compelling reason to spend any time on Caladan.

The respectful relationship between Paul and Gurney was heavily emphasised in the first two Dune films, thus it makes likely that Brolin would return in Dune 3 to further explore this relationship. Gurney might be a valuable addition to Paul's court because he doesn't have many allies in Dune Messiah.

Shaddam Corrino IV

It would make a lot of narrative sense for Christopher Walken to return to his role as the exiled Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV in Dune: Part Three, but there has been no sign that he has been approached to do so. After House Corrino is defeated at the end of Dune: Part Two, Shaddam is banished to his homeworld of Salusa Secundus in the books.

Despite Shaddam's lengthy absence from the Dune book series, his inclusion in the next film would be extremely beneficial. His bond with Irulan gives an otherwise flat character arc new complexity, and he provides a fascinating counterpoint to Paul's reign as Emperor of the Known Universe.

Much of the criticism directed at Irulan's lack of agency and autonomy in the Dune books stems from the fact that she is frequently only introduced as "Paul's wife." It would be intriguing to capitalise on Irulan's imperial heritage and remind viewers of her political clout by bringing Shaddam back.

Baron Harkonnen

Naturally, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen does not return for the events of Dune Messiah after being killed by Paul Atreides at the Battle of Arrakis. He is one of the few people in Dune who remains genuinely dead, and when the Harkonnens are defeated in the first novel, they mostly lose their significance. Rather, those who lurk in the shadows are Paul's greatest adversaries.

But in Frank Herbert's third book in the series, Children of Dune, Baron Harkonnen makes a reappearance. After Alia Atreides is changed into the "Abomination," his soul takes control of her thoughts and nearly takes over her in order to undermine the imperial power of House Atreides.

This specific storyline would be a fantastic fit for the many convincing ideas that Villeneuve will include elements of Children of Dune into Dune: Part Three. Since her romance with Hayt takes up most of her storyline, Alia Atreides doesn't have much to accomplish in Dune Messiah. Giving her a distinct purpose outside of being the focus of Hayt's affections by introducing this conflict with the Baron one book ahead of time seems to be a good method to increase her involvement in the narrative.

Princess Wensicia

One of Children of Dune's greatest characters is Princess Wensicia Corrino, who may benefit greatly from being introduced a little earlier in the film's chronology. During Paul's reign as Emperor, she stays on Salusa Secundus to raise her son, Prince Farad'n, and is Princess Irulan's younger sister.

The plot of Dune Messiah mostly revolves around the Bene Gesserit, Bene Tleilaxu, and Spacing Guild conspiring to overthrow Emperor Paul and install a more responsible person in his place. It just so happens that Wensicia's plot in Children of Dune also revolves around a covert scheme to overthrow House Atreides. The next film might save time by combining the two subplots.

The interaction between Irulan and Wensicia, which hardly occurs in Frank Herbert's novels, would also be intriguing to watch. The sisters spend much of their time on different planets, despite having extremely distinct personalities and opposing political views. They might finally be reunited in Dune: Part Three, which would also give Irulan's plot against her husband much-needed complexity.

Farad’n Corrino

It seems sense that Prince Farad'n would arrive in Dune: Part Three if Princess Wensicia is being introduced. He is House Corrino's male heir, and he would have been the Imperium's heir apparent if Paul hadn't conquered the Great Houses. The tension amongst the conspirators in Dune 3 may be increased by this subplot of retaliation and jealousy.

It's obvious that Denis Villeneuve won't be adhering strictly to this timeframe, even if Farad'n isn't introduced until Children of Dune in the books. These narrative beats can be moved about quite a bit. In the event that Warner Bros. decides to produce additional sequels in the future, Dune 3 must also explicitly outline the franchise's destiny.

It has also been announced that Leto II and Ghanima, Paul's offspring, will appear in Dune 3 as young adults. They only make a fleeting appearance as newborns in the novel. This demonstrates how Villeneuve is slightly altering the timeline and how Farad'n is necessary for Leto and Ghanima's plot to have an imperial equivalent.

Lady Jessica

Although it hasn't been confirmed, Villeneuve's desire to somewhat alter the original material makes it seem quite possible that Rebecca Ferguson will reprise her role in Dune 3. Lady Jessica and Gurney spend most of the narrative in Dune Messiah in Caladan. However, it makes plausible that Jessica will also appear in Dune 3 as Gurney's appearance has been guaranteed.

Due to their significant involvement in the covert plot to kill Paul Atreides, the Bene Gesserit play a significant part in Dune Messiah. Since the beginning, Jessica has served as the anchor of the Bene Gesserit in the Dune films since she is one of the few characters that viewers truly get to know. This plot would be much more approachable if she appeared in Dune 3.

It would be a huge missed opportunity if Dune: Part Three didn't resolve this subplot by having Jessica on Arrakis when the Bene Gesserit are attempting to kill him. This is because the conclusion of Dune 2 already hinted at Jessica's defection from the Bene Gesserit through her interactions with Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohaim. This might ultimately bring Jessica's journey to a tragic and moving close.