Although Denis Villeneuve has repeatedly stated that he doesn’t plan to direct further sequels after the third Dune film, the franchise still promises to remain one of the most epic cinematic events in recent years.
Having already released two hugely successful films based on Frank Herbert’s original novel, Villeneuve is likely to adapt the sequel novel Dune: Messiah for the third instalment — though it’s often considered one of the weakest entries in the series. Still, the director has a unique opportunity to make one major change: bringing back a key character who doesn’t appear in the book at all.
Lady Jessica, absent from the novel Dune: Messiah, could still return in Villeneuve’s film
Portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson in the first two films, Jessica became one of the driving forces in Dune: Part Two. Though by that point she’s already separated from her son, Paul Atreides, her storyline remains compelling. In Herbert’s sequel, however, Jessica is entirely absent — having returned to her homeworld of Caladan, the rainy planet where the Atreides family had lived for decades before moving to Arrakis.
But how could her story continue in Dune: Messiah?
In the books, Jessica doesn’t reappear until the third novel, Children of Dune. Yet Villeneuve could reintroduce her to the screen through her daughter, Alia. Though Alia appears as an adult in Dune: Part Two, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, there’s still room in the third film for flashbacks—especially since the story wraps around the time Alia is just four years old.
Interestingly, Villeneuve’s decision to step away from the Dune saga after the third film has even been supported by George R.R. Martin. We previously covered what the Game of Thrones author had to say about this iconic sci-fi franchise.
