The eagerly anticipated next chapter in Denis Villeneuve's cinematic universe could potentially unfold as 'Dune: Messiah,' even though the auteur once disclosed that he intended to pursue another endeavor before returning to the desert planet. However, the mystery surrounding his next blockbuster continues to unfold, as Warner Bros. announced on Friday that his upcoming "event film" will premiere on December 18, 2026, under the auspices of Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind his groundbreaking 'Dune' franchise.
While plot details remain shrouded in secrecy, Villeneuve, who most recently steered 'Dune: Part Two' to critical and commercial success, had previously expressed his intentions of diverting from a potential third 'Dune' installment. Rumors suggest, though, that the filmmaker may have had a rethink and is now eyeing a return to the epic world of Arrakis. Legendary, unfortunately, remained tight-lipped on the matter.
In a parallel announcement, Warner Bros. also revealed that an unnamed entry in Legendary's monstrous 'MonsterVerse' franchise is scheduled for a March 26, 2027 theatrical release. This development came as a surprise swap, as a Locksmith Animation project originally penciled in for that date has been scratched from the studio's calendar. The latest addition to the MonsterVerse will be helmed by Grant Sputore, taking the reins from Adam Wingard.
'Dune: Part Two,' starring the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Austin Butler, has already amassed over $700 million at the global box office since its March release. The film, adapting Frank Herbert's seminal work, follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya) as they navigate the aftermath of devastating events that befell their family.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter shortly after the sequel's premiere, Villeneuve was elusive about his next endeavor, noting that he had four projects under consideration. He acknowledged that any delay in adapting Herbert's 1969 novel 'Dune Messiah' for a third film would be due to "ensuring that I have the perfect screenplay." Villeneuve further revealed that he might prioritize a more timely project before delving into the realm of 'Dune Messiah.'
Meanwhile, the most recent chapter in the MonsterVerse saga, 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,' directed by Wingard, has raked in $567 million worldwide since its late March theatrical debut. — Contributed by Borys Kit.
