Dune: Part Three is in development, and it has huge shoes to fill. The first two movies in Denis Villeneuve’s trilogy have already become beloved within the sci-fi community. Dune: Part Two performed especially well, making $714.6 million at the worldwide box office and being nominated for several Academy Awards. Given this momentum, the third movie has the opportunity to be even bigger. While its release date has not been fully confirmed, Warner Bros. has scheduled a Villeneuve film for December 18, 2026, and this is widely speculated to be set aside for Dune 3‘s release.

Despite its hype, making the third movie comes with significant challenges. Firstly, Dune: Messiah, the book on which Dune: Part Three is expected to be based, is widely viewed as one of the weaker entries in the franchise. In one of its many story criticisms, Messiah leaves out Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), a character that has been well-received in Villeneuve’s adaptation of the books so far. He and his team will be left having to grapple with how to address this and more, and what changes to make from the book, but there is one character that they should definitely include.

Dune 3 Should Introduce Paul Atreides’ Son, Leto Atreides II

He Is Paul’s Second Born Son

Dune: Part Three has the opportunity to include Leto Arteides II. Named after Paul’s late father (Oscar Isaac in Dune), Leto II is one of Paul’s children. He also has a twin, Ghanima. Biologically, these characters are the children of Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya), his true love who is part of the Fremen group. Though Paul is formally married to Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), as is catalyzed in the Dune: Part Two ending, Chani is Leto II’s true mother, though she tragically dies in childbirth.

As Paul continues the next phase of his story, Dune: Part Three could do well by introducing Leto II. While power gets to the main character’s head, skewing his actions, it could also be interesting to lay the groundwork for how his legacy is carried on through his children. It also could help to honor the first film since he is named after his late grandfather. He is also technically Paul’s second-born son, as the first Leto is murdered during infancy.

Leto Atreides II Is Key To The Dune Franchise’s Future After Messiah

He Becomes The Lead

Not only is Leto Atreides II a critical part of Paul’s legacy, but he is also crucial to the Dune franchise. As Leto II grows up after the events of Dune: Messiah, and later becomes central to the franchise. He appears in two subsequent Frank Herbert novels, including Messiah‘s immediate successor, Children of Dune. He is also in the 1981 novel God Emperor of Dune, though he takes on a much different (yet fascinating) physical form. In essence, Leto II takes over as the franchise lead.

Audiences have also seen a bit of Leto II portrayed on screen before. The 2003 miniseries version of Children of Dune focused on Leto II and his twin sister, Ghanima, and how they become wrapped up in the complicated politics of Arrakis. Then, the character was played by the now extremely famous James McAvoy. Villeneuve is all about breathing new life into and putting his own spin on the Dune franchise, so seeing a new version of Leto II could be interesting.

Dune 3 Can Set Up The Franchise For Success If Audiences Love Leto II

This Could Spur A Potential Fourth Movie

If the third movie is to adhere to Dune: Messiah, however, there is one major problem with putting Leto II on screen; he is only a baby in Dune: Messiah. In fact, he is actually born close to the end of the novel, making his appearance minimal. However, setting up Leto II in Dune: Part Three could help catapult future movies. Villeneuve and his team would have to really find a way to make viewers invested in this baby character, but if done successfully, it could be a great way to encourage the production of a fourth movie – albeit without the director.