There seems to be clarity about when Denis Villeneuve’s recordings Dune: Messiah are going to start.
In the same piece from The Hollywood Reporter that reports that Tom Holland will star in Christopher Nolan’s new film, it is indicated that the filming of Spider-Man 4 be postponed to ensure that Zendaya can continue filming Dune: Messiah can start at the beginning of 2026.
Pressure torque
Holland will receive its share of Avengers: Doomsday and filming Nolan’s movie in the first half of 2025. Then he and Zendaya will be busy shooting in the second half of 2025 Spider-Man 4followed by the recordings of Dune: Messiah begin 2026.
And that’s not all for Zendaya: she will also be filming the long-awaited third season of HBO series in early 2025. Euphoria.
From Gotham to Arrakis
Another possible reason that Dune: Messiah will not be made until 2026 is that cameraman Greig Fraser will be busy filming the film between April and October 2025. [i]The Batman: Part II.
‘DUNE: MESSIAH’ will now begin filming in early 2026 instead of next year.
(via @THR) pic.twitter.com/SPGwOWIOSm— Denis Villeneuve Universe (@DenisVfilms) October 21, 2024
In Dune: Messiah we are expected to see the following actors return: Timothee Chalamet (as Paul Atreides), Zendaya (as Chani), Florence Pugh (as Princess Irulan), Anya Taylor-Joy (as Alia Atreides), Javier Bardem (as Stilgar), Charlotte Rampling (as Reverend Mother Mohiam) and Jason Momoa (as a new version of Duncan Idaho).
A complete story
As Villeneuve has previously stated, Messiah marking the end of Paul Atreides’ story and being the last film he makes about Arrakis.
If the recordings of Dune: Messiah will actually start in early 2026, then the film will be released sometime in mid to late 2027. Which means there’s about three years between each of the films.
Let’s Talk About Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Messiah Delay
Ah, the joy of waiting for a film sequel! Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated Dune: Messiah has officially set its sights on a 2026 filming start date. Just when you thought it was going to be smoother than navigating the Sands of Arrakis, the Hollywood machine strikes again. Not sure about you, but I didn’t sign up for a waiting list for cinematic masterpieces; I was in for a buffet!
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man to the Rescue (Sort of)
In a delightful twist of fate, while we were minding our own business, The Hollywood Reporter informs us that while Tom Holland is preparing for his next big swing in Spider-Man 4, it has been postponed. Why? To make way for everyone’s favorite Zendaya to continue dodging giant sandworms in Dune: Messiah. Because you know, priorities! Who wouldn’t want to pick dying in the desert over a gig in a superhero suit, right?
It’s All About Scheduling – Not Just Curriculum Vitae
Now, let’s unpack the complex timeline of our beloved actors. Over on Marvel’s set, Holland has been roped into Avengers: Doomsday as if they’re giving out free coffee or something—filming in the first half of 2025. Then, like a tightly spun web, he and Zendaya will regroup for Spider-Man 4 in the latter half of 2025, before entering the desert once again for Dune: Messiah. Talk about a busy schedule! Are we sure they’re not part of some secret superhero merger?
Zendaya: A Woman with More Roles Than I Have Socks
And wait, there’s more! Zendaya isn’t just heading into the sands of Arrakis; she’ll also dive into the chaos of Euphoria filming in early 2025. This woman is channeling multi-tasking to a level that rivals me flipping pancakes while attempting to catch my cat mid-sneeze. If only I had her energy—or her stylist!
Greig Fraser: The Man with the Golden Camera
As if navigating Hollywood wasn’t complicated enough, we learn that cinematic wizard Greig Fraser is busy pulling all-nighters for The Batman: Part II from April to October 2025. So, while he’s filming Gotham, let’s just say Villeneuve may need to source someone else for those desert sand shots! I hear there’s a great deal on camels these days.
Familiar Faces in the Sands of Time
But fear not, loyal fans! The cast of Dune: Messiah promises to maintain its signature star power. Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, alongside Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, and a refreshed version of Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho. It’s practically a family reunion…and that’s before the real ‘family’ drama starts!
The End of an Era: Or is it Just the Beginning?
Villeneuve has stated that this film will mark the end of Paul Atreides’ storyline. So, if you’re hoping for a spin-off featuring a sandworm on roller skates, you may need to get creative. This is the final curtain for Arrakis, and we’ll have to binge-watch it alongside our popcorn in mid to late 2027. There’s something poetic about sand slipping through an hourglass, isn’t there?
Final Thoughts
So, while we bide our time with remakes and reboots, remember this: a good film is worth the wait. Just be sure to snatch a ticket the minute Dune: Messiah drops, or risk an awkward conversation with your friends about how you just can’t keep up with the impressive cinematic landscape (or your own schedule!). Grab your spice and buckle up because we’re in for a wild ride!
‘DUNE: MESSIAH’ will now begin filming in early 2026 instead of next year.
— Denis Villeneuve Universe (@DenisVfilms) October 21, 2024