EXCLUSIVE: Even as Denis Villeneuve puts the finishing touches on the script for the next installment in the Dune franchise, the director already has his sights set on a new addition to the all-star ensemble. While sources close to the project say no formal offer has been presented, Deadline is hearing there is strong interest in Robert Pattinson joining the cast. Legendary had no comment.
The film already features an A-list ensemble that includes Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh and Zendaya, and many are expected to return. Even so, a handful of new roles remain and, as with any Dune project, stars are lining up at the chance to appear in the Oscar-winning franchise.
While confirmed, sources say Pattinson would play the villain role of Scytale.
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As Deadline previously reported, the plan is to shoot the film this summer. Villeneuve is returning to direct.
Dune is Legendary’s expansive, multi-format science fiction universe based on Frank Herbert’s Hugo Award-winning novel series. The collection has included two feature films (2021’s Dune: Part One and last year’s Dune: Part Two, which earned a combined $1.12 billion at the global box office and won eight Oscars from 15 nominations, including Best Picture noms for both. The universe’s most recent entry is prequel TV series Dune: Prophecy, from Lost writer-producer Alison Schapker and set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides. The series premiered on HBO and Max in November to critical acclaim.
As for Pattinson, The Batman star has been busy, recently wrapping A24 film The Drama, which also stars his Dune co-star Zendaya, as well as the Lynne Ramsay film Die, My Love in which he stars opposite Jennifer Lawrence. He is currently filming Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. He is also producing the A24 film Primetime.
Pattinson is repped by WME, 3 Arts Entertainment, Curtis Brown Group and attorney Robert Offer.