Robert Pattinson may be headed to Arrakis.
As Denis Villeneuve prepares to wrap the script for the highly anticipated Dune 3, sources close to the project reveal that the Oscar-winning franchise may soon add another major name to its already stacked cast: The Batman star Robert Pattinson.
While no official offer has been made, industry insiders tell Deadline there is “strong interest” in bringing Pattinson aboard for the upcoming instalment. Legendary has yet to comment on the casting development.
If confirmed, Pattinson would take on the role of Scytale, a villainous and mysterious Face Dancer, a shapeshifting agent of the Bene Tleilax marking his debut in the sci-fi epic saga.
Villeneuve is set to return as director for the third installment, which is expected to begin filming this summer. The film follows the massive success of Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), which collectively earned over $1.12 billion at the global box office and racked up 15 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture nods for both.
The franchise’s upcoming chapter will once again bring back stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, with several new characters still to be cast, making it one of the most anticipated projects currently in development.
Pattinson’s potential addition to the Dune universe would only boost its star power further. He’s been busy across multiple high-profile projects, including recently wrapping the A24 film The Drama alongside Dune alum Zendaya. He also stars opposite Jennifer Lawrence in Die, My Love, directed by Lynne Ramsay, and is currently filming Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey.
In addition to acting, Pattinson is expanding his producing credits with the upcoming A24 film Primetime.
Meanwhile, the Dune franchise continues to expand across multiple platforms. The most recent entry, HBO’s Dune: Prophecy, a prequel series set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ rise, premiered in November to critical acclaim. Lost writer-producer Alison Schapker created the show, adding another layer to the already rich Dune universe.
As excitement builds around Dune 3, fans eagerly await official confirmation on Pattinson’s role — and what his version of the sinister Scytale might bring to the sands of Arrakis.
Source: Deadline
