Dune Part 2: Release Date, Cast, And More

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"Dune" ranked as one of the most highly anticipated movies of 2021, and it didn't disappoint the majority of moviegoers who visited the spice-laden sands of Arrakis. Luckily, Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures were quite happy with the results, meaning they didn't waste any time in announcing a sequel following the first film's success. While we've got some time to wait for "Dune: Part Two," we're here to provide you with all of the important information we have so you're ready when the time comes.

Here is everything you need to know about "Dune: Part Two."

"Dune: Part Two" is currently slated to hit theaters on November 3, 2023. Warner Bros. and Legendary are carving out a date almost exactly two years from the release of the first movie, wasting little time. Of note, the sequel will be released exclusively in theaters, whereas the first chapter was released both theatrically and on HBO Max at the same time. The follow-up will eventually make its way to the new Max streaming service.

"Dune: Part Two" is the sequel to "Dune." As the 2021 sci-fi blockbuster was billed as "Part One," this movie will pick up where the first one left off. It will serve as a further adaptation of Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel of the same name. It will further explore the journey of Paul Atreides, who is picking up the pieces of his life in the aftermath of the slaughter of his family on Arrakis. Warner Bros. has released the synopsis for the upcoming movie, which reads as follows:

This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Denis Villeneuve is set to return to the director's chair for the sequel. Villeneuve is also on board as a producer and co-writer. Eric Roth and Jon Spaiths co-wrote the first movie with the filmmaker. It is believed that many of the same members of the core creative team will return. Hans Zimmer has already confirmed that he will return to handle the movie's score. Legendary Pictures is producing the movie, with Warner Bros. once again handling distribution.

Warner Bros. has also confirmed the following crew for "Dune: Part Two," including Oscar-winning cinematographer Greig Fraser, costume designer Jacqueline West, makeup, hair and prosthetic designer Donald Mowat, composer Hans Zimmer, production designer Patrice Vermette, editor Joe Walker, visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert, and special effects supervisor Gerd Nefzer.

The cast will once again be led by Timothee Chalamet as Paul, with Rebecca Ferguson returning as his mother, Jessica. Much of the surviving core cast is also expected to return, including Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, Stellan Skarsgard, and Zendaya, who will have a larger role as Chani this time around.

"Part Two" will introduce even more players to the already-attractive ensemble. Warner Bros. has confirmed the new key cast additions, which include "Elvis" breakout Austin Butler as the villainous Feyd-Rautha, Christopher Walken as the Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, and Souheila Yacoub.

The studio released an initial logo for the film (which we've included above) when the sequel was officially confirmed. Production kicked off in July 2022, with principal photography wrapping in December. Villeneuve filmed the sequel on location in Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, and Italy. With a blockbuster of this size, a great deal of the work happens in post-production, between visual effects, editing, sound mixing, and any potential reshoots/pick-up shots that are needed. Much work to be done.

Denis Villeneuve was adamant that "Dune" needed to be at least two movies to do the story any justice. And that's just the first bit of what Frank Herbert left for us – let alone the rest of the source material in his hulking book series. In any event, the director made it very clear earlier this year that "Dune: Part Two" is not a typical sequel. In his mind, it's not a sequel at all. Here's what he had to say about it:

"It's important — it's not a sequel, it's a second part. There's a difference... I wanted the movie to really open just where we left the characters. There's no time jump. I wanted dramatic continuity with part one."

So for those who felt that the first "Dune" was half a movie, you were kind of right. The second half of the movie is forthcoming.

Two things are true of the next movie in the "Dune" franchise: it will be "a war epic action movie," per Villeneuve, but it will also be an epic love story between Timothee Chalamet's Paul and Zendaya's Chani. Speaking with Vanity Fair, the director explained:

"I wanted to make a very human movie, very close to the characters, despite the scope of the film. I kept saying to my crew, 'The most important thing is that spark, that relationship between both of these characters.' If we don't capture that, if we don't have that onscreen, there's no movie. The epicenter of the story is this relationship."

Warner Bros. has released a teaser trailer for "Dune: Part Two," which you can check out above. It is very much a teaser and doesn't give too much away, but we do get to see some pretty impressive sandworm action. For those who are looking for more insight into the footage, we have a detailed trailer breakdown as well, which you can check out here.