Warning: There are spoilers ahead for the Dune: Messiah novel.

Despite the other books that could be adapted, Dune: Part 3 will benefit from being the final film in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy. The Dune films split Frank Herbert’s sci-fi classic into two parts. Both are masterful movies filled with dense storytelling and rich characters. They were hits at the box office and awards ceremonies, with each nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Villeneuve is finishing his trilogy with Dune 3 in 2026, which is expected to be an adaptation of Dune: Messiah, the second book in Herbert’s series. The book series is quite expansive. Herbert wrote six novels, while his son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson collaborated to write 20 more, bringing the grand total to 26 books.

The franchise is already expanding the universe with the prequel series, Dune: Prophecy, and Warner Bros. will likely look for ways to capitalize on Dune‘s success after Villeneuve’s departure. However, Dune: Messiah delivers a proper ending to the series that will be more satisfying for its characters than continuing with a fourth film.

What Happens To Paul At The End Of Dune: Messiah

Paul Leaves His Empire To His Children

Messiah opens with Paul leading the Fremen in their religious warfare against the galaxy, killing billions as prophesied in Dune. Despite his promise to wed Princess Irulan, he refuses to have children with her, but can’t with Chani because she dies during childbirth in his vision. However, Chani takes matters into her own hands, and gets pregnant by committing to a Fremen fertility diet.

Chani dies giving birth to their daughter and son, Leto and Ghanima, surprising Paul, who had only envisioned a daughter. After their births, Paul is left prophetically and physically blind. He decides to follow the Fremen ways by wandering the desert, leaving his empire to his children. His sister, Alia, becomes regent to the twins, and Irulan abandons the Bene Gesserit to teach Paul’s children.

Paul’s decision leaves the Atreides line in a much better place. He is no longer a deity to the Fremen, who are now loyal to his children, and the Bene Gesserit no longer have any leverage over the Atreides since Irulan defected. It ends the series with the Atreides truly achieving victory over their enemies.

Paul’s Messiah Ending Is More Powerful Without Dune 4

Paul’s Sacrifice Is More Meaningful With Mo Follow-Up

Dune 3 may end Villeneuve’s trilogy, but Paul’s story in Herbert’s novels ends in Children of Dune. After years in the desert, Paul returns as a character initially referred to as “The Preacher,” who challenges the government’s injustices and the changes to the Fremen. He’s killed by agents of Alia, who’s possessed by the spirit of her grandfather, Baron Harkonnen.

Children of Dune is a bizarre novel that will likely be incredibly difficult to adapt for mainstream audiences. While it is Herbert’s vision, Dune: Messiah ends Paul’s story in a more satisfying way. His sacrifice saves his family, and sets up years of his empire’s reign. It would be intriguing to see how the third novel could be adapted, but it’s better to let the trilogy end with Dune 3.