Robert Pattinson in Dune 3: Which Role?

Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures' upcoming Dune 3 is shaping up to be another epic installment in the franchise, with director Denis Villeneuve returning alongside stars like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Anya Taylor-Joy. The latest buzz, according to Deadline, is that Robert Pattinson is in talks for a significant role in the film, hinting at his potential involvement in another major Warner Bros. franchise beyond The Batman.

While it's not yet confirmed which character Pattinson will portray, THR suggests he might take on a villainous role. Given the narrative direction from Dune: Part Two and the source material from Frank Herbert's novels, here are the most likely characters Pattinson could play in Dune 3.

Scytale

If Dune 3 primarily adapts Dune Messiah, the pool of new characters is limited, but Scytale stands out as a prime candidate. THR has indicated that Pattinson might be cast as Scytale, the main antagonist in Dune Messiah. Scytale leads a conspiracy to overthrow Emperor Paul Atreides, who now commands a vast army of Fremen devotees. His plot, alongside characters like Charlotte Rampling's Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam and a Guild Navigator named Edric, aims to exploit Paul's prescient abilities. Scytale, a shapeshifting Face Dancer and a member of the Bene Tleilax, offers Pattinson a chance to delve into a complex and sinister role, diverging from his usual heroic characters. This role also leaves room for Pattinson to return in future sequels.

Leto Atreides II

Another intriguing possibility is Pattinson playing Leto Atreides II, given his resemblance to Chalamet. There are two Leto IIs in the saga: the elder, who appears briefly in the original Dune and is killed, and the younger, introduced in Dune Messiah as an infant and later becoming central to Children of Dune and God Emperor of Dune. Despite Dune 3 focusing on Dune Messiah, Pattinson could appear in spice-induced visions of the future, similar to Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Alia in Dune: Part Two. This casting would allow Pattinson to continue playing a significant role in the franchise, potentially culminating in his portrayal of the iconic half-human/half-worm character from God Emperor of Dune.

Prince Farad'n Corrino

If Dune 3 blends elements from Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, Pattinson could be cast as Prince Farad'n, a villain in the latter. As the grandson of the deposed Emperor Shaddam IV, Farad'n is trained on the harsh world of Salusa Secundus, embodying the Sardaukar ethos. Despite his mother Wensicia's ambitions, Farad'n himself is more interested in scholarly pursuits, making him a nuanced and potentially sympathetic antagonist for Pattinson.

A New Fremen Character

Given the significant changes made in Dune: Part Two, particularly with Chani's character, it's plausible that Dune 3 will introduce new characters. Pattinson could portray a Fremen aligned with Chani's anti-Paul faction, opposing Paul's holy war. This role would fit the series' theme of cautioning against charismatic leadership, presenting Pattinson's character as a moral counterpoint to Paul's actions. Such a character could even be part of a love triangle with Paul and Chani, complicating the narrative and Chani's eventual motherhood.

Which character do you think Robert Pattinson will play in Dune 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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