Robert Pattinson’s Shocking Villain Role in Dune 3 Revealed!

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Summary

  • Pattinson may play a key villain role in Dune: Messiah, likely Scytale, a strategic character.
  • Changes in Dune: Messiah adaptation would include timeline adjustments and potential divergences like character aging.
  • Future Dune plans are uncertain beyond the planned trilogy, with no confirmation on further adaptations.

After hearing that Robert Pattinson is set to join the high-profile cast for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Messiah, movie enthusiasts can’t help but wonder what character he might play in the upcoming movie.

In addition to the forthcoming film sequel to “The Batman”, Robert Pattinson is actively involved in the filming of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” at present. Production on “Messiah” is set to commence this summer, where he will join a cast that includes Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, who have been announced to reprise their roles. Other members of the cast, such as Anya Taylor-Joy, are yet to be officially confirmed.

Pattinson

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Pattinson has been cast as the main antagonist of the upcoming film. It’s speculated that he might portray Scytale, a character introduced in Frank Herbert’s sequel novel. Unlike Austin Butler’s Feyd Rautha from Dune: Part Two, Scytale is more of a charming and tactical figure, rather than the brutal enforcer we saw there.

If Robert Pattinson’s casting is still unconfirmed, it might suggest another postponement for Matt Reeves’ sequel to “The Batman.” Lately, Greig Fraser, cinematographer of “Dune” and its upcoming sequel, announced he wouldn’t be part of the new “Batman” installment due to scheduling clashes with “The Batman 2.” Pattinson’s potential involvement could hint at further delays for the movie.

So Who Is Dune: Messiah’s Scytale?

Spoilers below for Dune: Messiah.

In the “Dune: Messiah” novel, Paul Atreides concludes his holy war and rules as the emperor of the galaxy, accompanied by his wife, kids, and allies, a dozen years following the incidents described in the initial “Dune” book.

Similar to his father Leto, Paul finds himself entangled in intricate political machinations and attempts on his life during his reign. One of those plotting to overthrow the emperor is Scytale, who forms an alliance with the ruler only to later turn against him in treachery.

Scytale hails from the Tleilaxu species, genetically modified humans residing on the planet Tleilax. This race adheres to a secretive religion and seeks to impose their beliefs across the cosmos. They work in cahoots with the Bene Gesserit, aiming to weaken the Muad’Dib mythos. Scytale possesses the unique ability of face-dancing, a warrior class skill that allows him to alter his appearance seamlessly, thereby facilitating his role as an undercover agent within the Emperor’s inner circle.

Additionally, it has been announced that Jason Momoa is rejoining the cast for Dune: Part Two, following the surviving actors. In the original novels by Herbert, Momoa’s character Duncan Idaho, who was not initially expected to return, became a major figure. The Tleilaxu are responsible for reviving Idaho in the books, and in this adaptation, Momoa is anticipated to have significant screen time with Pattinson’s Scytale and Chalamet’s Paul.

What Changes Are Likely To Be made For A Dune: Messiah Film?

Although David Lynch’s film adaptations of Dune are generally regarded as the closest representations of Frank Herbert’s original work, both movies have significantly altered key elements from the books during their screen adaptation process.

The upcoming movie version of “Dune: Messiah” is not expected to follow the same path as its predecessor, with several key plot points already marking a departure. Unlike the books, a significant portion of the storyline may unfold differently due to the close proximity in which the films will be produced. It’s unclear whether Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, or Florence Pugh will undergo makeup or CGI aging, or if the film will choose to explain their youthfulness through the spice-induced longevity depicted in the story.

Additionally noteworthy is Paul’s sister, Alia, who hasn’t made her appearance in Dune: Part Two as she isn’t born at that point and is merely glimpsed in a fleeting glimpse of the future (portrayed by Anya Taylor Joy). By the end of Herbert’s first novel, Alia is already two years old, and Paul and Chani have started to conceive children; it seems that for now, the films will deviate from this aspect.

Robert Pattinson isn’t the first actor to bring a villain to life on-screen, as Scytale was portrayed before in the 2003 miniseries “Children of Dune,” which was based on both the novel of the same name and “Dune: Messiah.” In that adaptation, Martin McDougal took on the role, although his screen time might have been limited in the miniseries.

In several follow-up novels penned by Herbert, Scytale appears, taking place millennia after the events in Dune: Messiah. Within Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune, a character known as Scytale is believed to have outsmarted death and gained access to memories belonging to a Face Dancer who interacted with Muad’Dib.

Just as the Tleilaxu’s recurring revival of Duncan Idaho keeps the cast fresh for possible adaptations of upcoming books, this strategy could potentially bring back some familiar faces. However, given the uncertainty surrounding the adaptation of those novels at present, it seems improbable that Robert Pattinson’s Scytale will make an appearance in any films beyond Dune: Messiah.

And What About Future Plans For Dune As A Whole?

There’s been talk among fans about whether Denis Vilenueve or another director might carry on adapting beyond Dune: Messiah, but as of now, there’s no official word. As for a prequel series titled Dune: Prophecy, it’s set around 10,000 years prior to the movie that came out last year, yet Warner Bros. and Legendary haven’t revealed any plans for more spin-offs or sequels.

So far, Denis Villeneuve has only referred to his film series as a trilogy, following the pattern set by Frank Herbert in writing four additional sequel novels beyond “Messiah”. As of now, there’s no hint of plans to adapt these later books into films.

Information about the upcoming movie titled “Dune: Messiah” has been limited as we approach the start of full-scale production this summer. However, it’s currently planned for a release date of December 16th, 2026.

In the meantime, enthusiasts of Dune can look forward to a wealth of reading materials from Frank Herbert’s series and Brian Herbert’s prequel novels. Additionally, they can anticipate immersing themselves in the upcoming massively multiplayer online game, Dune: Awakening.

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2025-04-12 20:04