Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
Dune: Part Three has a bigger time jump when compared to Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah novel.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Dune: Part Three, also known as Dune 3, will be released in United States theaters later this year. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the sequel to 2021’s Dune and 2024’s Dune: Part Two will once again see Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet reprise his role as Paul Atreides.

How big is the time jump in Dune: Part Three?

Per Variety, a Q&A event held for the release of Dune: Part Three’s trailer revealed that the new movie will take place 17 years after the events of Dune: Part Two. This is a change from the novels, as the Dune Messiah book is set 12 years after the events of Dune.

It does, however, make sense, given that Alia Atreides is a major character in the second half of Herbert’s Dune novel. An adult version of Alia is played by Anya Taylor-Joy in Dune: Part Two; however, she still technically has not yet been born and is merely appearing in Paul’s visions. Alia plays a big role in Dune Messiah, as well, meaning a longer time jump is necessary for the movies in order to make sure she’s the appropriate age for when the story of Dune: Part Three begins.

In addition to Chalamet and Taylor-Joy, the cast of Dune: Part 3 includes Zendaya as Chani, Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Isaach de Bankolé as Farok, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa as Leto II Atreides, and Ida Brooke as Ghanima Atreides. Additionally, The Batman’s Robert Pattinson has been tapped to play a character named Scytale in the film.

Dune: Part Three arrives on December 18, 2026. The first two movies are currently streaming on HBO Max.