Robert Pattinson Eyed for Mystery Dune 3 Role

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' upcoming Dune sequel is gaining momentum. Denis Villeneuve will return to direct Dune 3, reuniting with key cast members including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. The latest casting rumor suggests Robert Pattinson may join the ensemble for a significant role, potentially expanding his involvement with Warner Bros.' major franchises beyond The Batman.

While Pattinson's potential character remains unconfirmed, industry reports indicate he may portray a villain. Examining Dune: Part Two's cliffhangers and Frank Herbert's original novels provides intriguing possibilities. Here's our analysis of likely candidates Pattinson could embody.

Scytale

If Dune 3 primarily adapts Dune Messiah while reserving Children of Dune for future installments, Pattinson's options narrow considerably. Scytale emerges as the most plausible choice beyond Leto II - coincidentally matching industry speculation.

As Messiah's central antagonist, Scytale masterminds a conspiracy against Emperor Paul Atreides, who now commands legions of devoted Fremen. Following Paul's journey from aristocratic heir to hardened desert prophet, the third film would explore his imperial struggles against palace intrigues.

The conspiracy faces unique challenges against Paul's prescient abilities. Scytale and co-conspirators including Reverend Mother Mohaim (Charlotte Rampling) circumvent this through alliance with Guild Navigator Edric, whose spice-induced spacetime distortions obscure their plot from Paul's visions.

Scytale offers Pattinson a compelling villainous departure from heroic roles. As a shape-shifting Face Dancer (briefly glimpsed in Dune: Prophecy) and Bene Tleilax operative, the character provides rich dramatic potential and franchise longevity - as Herbert's novels demonstrate, death proves remarkably impermanent in this universe.

Leto Atreides II

Pattinson's physical resemblance to Chalamet naturally suggests another Atreides descendant - arguably the saga's most consequential figure. Could Pattinson portray Paul's heir, Leto Atreides II?

The Dune canon features two Leto IIs honoring Paul's deceased father (Oscar Isaac). The elder briefly appears in the first novel before dying tragically - an event omitted from Dune: Part Two. The younger Leto II emerges in Messiah as an infant before evolving into Children of Dune's protagonist and God Emperor's titular hybrid ruler.

While Messiah focuses on Leto's infancy, Villeneuve could creatively utilize spice visions like Anya Taylor-Joy's Alia cameo in Part Two. The films increasingly diverge from source material, as evidenced by Chani's altered arc. Villeneuve might follow the Children miniseries precedent by compressing Messiah and Children narratives.

Casting Pattinson as Leto II would secure his franchise future - Herbert's sequels feature the character becoming increasingly central. Imagine Pattinson portraying the philosophizing worm-god emperor fans crave.

Prince Farad'n Corrino

Should Dune 3 blend Messiah and Children elements, Prince Farad'n presents another intriguing possibility.

The Corrino heir represents his deposed family's last hope, raised harshly on Salusa Secundus with Sardaukar training. Yet Farad'n proves unexpectedly nuanced - less ambitious than his mother Wensicia, preferring scholarly pursuits. This sympathetic antagonist would showcase Pattinson's range.

Dune: Part 2 Character Posters

12 Images

A New Fremen Character

Dune: Part Two's radical Chani departure suggests Villeneuve isn't bound by literary canon. Could Pattinson portray an original Fremen dissident?

The films might introduce Chani-led Fremen resistance against Paul's jihad. Pattinson could embody this rebellion's charismatic figurehead - a morally complex antagonist questioning Paul's galactic crusade, fulfilling Herbert's cautionary themes about charismatic leadership.

This scenario could develop romantic tension between Paul, Chani, and Pattinson's rebel - providing narrative impetus for Leto II and Ghanima's conception while deepening Chani's conflicted loyalties.

Which role do you envision Pattinson inhabiting? Cast your vote below:

For additional Dune insights, discover Jason Momoa's surprising revelation about the sequel.