Nov 08, 2026 8:00pm IST
Robert Pattinson, Jason Momoa’s Son And More: Meet the New Characters In ‘Dune: Part Three’
There is no shortage of reasons to be excited about returning to Arrakis. After two films filled with political intrigue, spectacular desert battles, giant sandworms and the rise of Paul Atreides as a messianic figure, Denis Villeneuve is ready to take audiences into the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s sprawling science-fiction universe. And this time, the stakes are considerably higher. With “Dune: Part Three”, the filmmaker is adapting Herbert’s 1969 novel “Dune Messiah”, bringing in a fresh set of characters who could change the course of the Atreides empire.
Set nearly 17 years after the events of “Dune: Part Two”, the third film finds Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) no longer fighting to reclaim his family's throne. He is now Emperor, ruling over an empire that is increasingly threatened by the consequences of his own rise to power. His relationship with Chani (Zendaya), the political machinations surrounding his rule and the possibility of an imperial collapse form the backdrop for a story that promises to be as psychologically complex as it is visually spectacular.
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Among the biggest additions to the ensemble is Robert Pattinson, who joins the franchise as Scytale. If the actor's casting wasn't exciting enough, his character promises to be one of the most intriguing new presences in the film. Scytale is a Face Dancer associated with the mysterious Bene Tleilax, a faction known for its ability to manipulate biology and create unsettling forms of life. A master of disguise and deception, he brings an entirely different kind of threat to Paul's empire. Unlike the open warfare and military confrontations that defined much of the previous films, Scytale operates through manipulation, hidden agendas and psychological games. With Pattinson stepping into the role, audiences can expect a formidable new antagonist who could make Paul's already complicated reign even more precarious.
Another interesting addition is Isaach de Bankolé, who plays Farok, a former Fedaykin warrior who once fought alongside Paul. Farok's character offers an opportunity to explore the changing relationship between Paul and the Fremen. Having helped Paul rise to power, the Fremen are now living with the consequences of the holy war fought in his name. Farok's disillusionment with the emperor reflects the growing divisions within a community that once rallied behind him. His presence could provide a different perspective on the cost of Paul's victory and what happens when a revolutionary figure becomes the very ruler people begin to question.
The film also introduces two characters whose arrival carries enormous significance for the future of House Atreides. Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, son of Jason Momoa, makes his feature film debut as Leto II Atreides, the son of Paul and Chani. His casting is particularly interesting given the character's importance in Herbert's novels. Leto II is not simply the heir to an imperial throne. His existence represents the future of the Atreides bloodline and places another generation at the centre of the family's complicated legacy. With the empire facing threats from multiple directions, the young prince's place in the story could prove crucial.
Joining him is Ida Brooke as Ghanima Atreides, Leto II's twin sister. Like her brother, Ghanima is born into a family burdened by extraordinary expectations. Her lineage, her connection to the Atreides legacy and the unusual circumstances surrounding her birth make her much more than a supporting addition to the royal household. Together, the twins introduce a new generation into the franchise, opening up possibilities that extend well beyond Paul's immediate struggle to hold on to power.
Interestingly, Jason Momoa himself is also returning to the franchise, but not in the role audiences might expect. After Duncan Idaho's death in the first film, Momoa returns as Hayt, a ghola created from Duncan's genetic material. In the world of “Dune”, a ghola is an artificially recreated human, raising fascinating questions about identity, memory and what makes someone the person they once were. Hayt's arrival is particularly significant for Paul, given the history and loyalty he shared with Duncan. It also introduces one of the more unusual elements of Herbert's universe to the big screen.
Of course, the new additions will share the screen with several familiar faces. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, with Zendaya reprising her role as Chani. Florence Pugh is back as Princess Irulan, while Rebecca Ferguson returns as Lady Jessica. Anya Taylor-Joy will have a more substantial presence as Alia Atreides, Paul's sister, while Javier Bardem returns as Stilgar and Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck. Charlotte Rampling also reprises her role as Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam. Together, the returning ensemble ensures that the third film remains firmly connected to the characters and conflicts that have shaped the first two instalments.
With Robert Pattinson bringing a new kind of menace, Jason Momoa revisiting a beloved character in an unexpected form and two young actors stepping into the roles of the Atreides heirs, “Dune: Part Three” is expanding its universe while raising the emotional and political stakes. As Paul discovers, winning an empire might have been the easy part. Holding on to it could be an entirely different battle.
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