Florence Pughhas confirmed that she is returning as Princess Irulan Corrino forDune: Part Three, akaDune Messiah, which is set to begin filming this summer. Her character becomes a central figure in the second book of Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi series, suggesting a more prominent part and extended screen time for her in the forthcoming third movie from director Denis Villeneuve. “I hope we see more of her,” Pugh told Harper’s Bazaar, keeping coy about the possibility of her expanded role, adding, “I want more cool outfits!”
Princess Irulan is the eldest daughter of the duplicitous 81st Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV, portrayed by Christopher Walken inDune: Part Two, and Anirul, a Bene Gesserit of Hidden Rank, though this is only briefly visited on screen. Pugh’s character evolves from a passive observer to an active participant in the unfolding drama when she agrees to marry Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) at the end of the second movie, inan unexpected but strategic moveto save her father’s life — setting the stage for the events of the book sequel,Dune Messiah, which is the basis of the upcoming film adaptation.
Everything We Know About ‘Dune: Messiah’
We hope you still have your stillsuit on because Denis Villanueve’s epic trilogy will soon come to an end with ‘Dune: Messiah’.
Herbert’sMessiahtakes place 12 years after the events of his 1965Dunenovel. Villeneuve’sDune: Part Threeis expected to feature the same time jump, chronicling the next chapter in Paul Atreides' life more than a decade after he first assumed the throne as Emperor. A large part of the story is driven by Princess Irulan’s jealousy and resentment towards her husband concerning his love for Chani, played by Zendaya in the film, leading her to take drastic measures to try and prevent them from conceiving a child together.
Who Joins Florence Pugh in the ‘Dune 3’ Cast?
Several actors are expected to reprise their roles alongside Pugh inDune: Part Threebased on the characters who feature in the novel. The major players include Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides,Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, and Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam. In addition, Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin’s Gurney Halleck, and Christopher Walken’s Shaddam IV could find their way back onto the big screen as they are all mentioned in the novel.
Jason Momoa also recently confirmed thathe is returning as Duncan Idahofor the third and final installment of Villeneuve’sDunefilm series, despite his character being killed off in the first movie. Anyone who has read the books would know his story is far from over. Idaho plays a significant part inDune Messiah, as it is revealed that his body was recovered on Arrakis by the Sarduarkar and given to the mysterious organization known as the Bene Tleilax. He is brought back as a genetically engineered human known as a “ghola.”
The movie version ofDune Messiahmay have also found its new villain in Robert Pattinson, who could very well playthe primary antagonist of Scytale— a Face Dancer of the Bene Tleilax, who starts a conspiracy to take down Paul Atreides. However, Villeneuve made a few changes when adapting the first book for the screen, so it’s unclear at this stage how closely the third film will stick to its source material, and it will be a while until fans find out, asDune: Part Threeis not expected to hit theaters until at least December 2026.
Source:Harper’s Bazaar
Dune: Part Three
