Josh Brolin, who plays the loyal and fierce Gurney Halleck in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, has revealed that the script for Dune: Messiah is still not ready. Despite expecting to receive it weeks ago, the actor admitted he remains in the dark about the project’s progress.
When asked about the status of the sequel by Forbes, Brolin said, “We haven’t gotten a script yet. We were supposed to get a script a couple of weeks ago, but, you know, that happens. I’d be excited to do any of it.”
Villeneuve has confirmed that Dune: Messiah, based on Frank Herbert’s 1969 novel, will continue the saga 12 years after the events of Dune: Part Two. The story explores Paul Atreides’ reign as Emperor and his struggle with the religious cult he inadvertently created. The film promises a darker and more introspective tone, aligning with the novel’s themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of power.
While Dune: Part Two has been celebrated as the conclusion of the first story arc, Villeneuve views Messiah as a separate endeavor. Speaking to Deadline, he explained,
It’s a movie made in two parts. It’s finished, it’s done.
However, the acclaimed director admitted he couldn’t resist diving back into Herbert’s world sooner than anticipated.
Villeneuve, currently “in the writing zone,” has hinted at taking creative liberties with the adaptation, stating,
Like Herbert did with Dune: Messiah, I think it’ll be a great idea to do something completely different. While it’s the same world, it’s a new film with new circumstances.
Dune: Messiah is slated for release in 2026 and is expected to conclude Paul Atreides’ tragic journey, delivering a compelling blend of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the haunting consequences of wielding immense power. Fans, however, will have to wait for Villeneuve to complete the script before production can begin.
