Robert Pattinson Eyed for "Dune: Messiah" Role

Denis Villeneuve has his sights set on another A-lister to join the starry ensemble cast of “Dune: Messiah”.

As Villeneuve puts the finishing touches on the script for the next “Dune” entry ahead of a summer shoot, sources say that there’s interest in having Robert Pattinson join the project, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

While no offer has been made yet, Pattinson is being eyed for the chief villain role in the film, potentially Scytale from Frank Herbert’s books, a Face Dancer of the Bene Tleilax and eventually one of the Masheikh, the ten rulers of the Tleilaxu empire.

Pattinson recently co-starred with Zendaya in the A24 film “The Drama,” and is currently filming Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey.” He’s also the star of Warner Bros.’s “The Batman,” with a sequel set to open in theaters in 2027.

Last year, Legendary confirmed that development on “Dune 3” was underway following the blockbuster success of “Dune: Part 2.” The first two films have earned a combined $1.12 billion at the global box office and won eight Oscars from 15 nominations, with both earning best picture nods.

Villeneuve’s “Dune” movies have also proven to be a magnet for top talent, including Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Oscar Isaac, Stellan Skarsgard, Léa Seydoux, Charlotte Rampling, Dave Bautista and Christopher Walken.

Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy are among the stars expected to return for the third installment, which takes place a dozen years after the events of “Part 2.” Jason Momoa also recently revealed that he’ll reprise his role as Duncan Idaho.