This article contains potential SPOILERS for Dune: Part Three.

Director Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film, Dune: Part Three, will introduce several intriguing characters to the film franchise. Adapting Frank Herbert’s novel, Dune Messiah, the plot for Dune: Part Three is expected to take place 12 years after Paul (Timothée Chalamet) became Emperor of the Known Universe, following Paul as he struggles to maintain power as he faces a plot to usurp his throne.

Given the events of Herbert’s novel, Dune: Part Three will introduce a handful of new allies and enemies to Emperor Paul Atreides as it brings the story of Dune Messiah to film. Some characters may not last long in the story, as previous films have shown many faces coming and going in gruesome ways.

However, there are plenty of other new characters who will have a long-lasting presence in the Dune franchise going forward, making Part Three a significant chapter in the saga.

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Edric the Navigator

This Mutant Creature Will Be A Huge Villain In Dune: Part Three

Despite his alien-like appearance, this creature is actually one of the human navigators of the Spacing Guild, having been mutated by the spice to wield the power of folding space that’s central to interstellar travel. The last time that Edric the Navigator was seen on film was in the 1984 adaptation of Dune, supporting Shaddam IV’s plot to eradicate House Atreides.

However, Edric serves as one of the main antagonists of Dune Messiah, participating in a conspiracy to ᴀssᴀssinate and overthrow Paul as Emperor of the Known Universe. Though representatives of the Spacing Guild appear in Dune: Part One, Edric may finally make his on-screen debut in the third film, based on the events of Dune Messiah.

Given how there are not many “alien” creatures in Villeneuve’s Dune films, it will be interesting to see how Edric will be portrayed on the big screen.

5

Scytale

This Face Dancer Will Be One Of Dune Part Three’s Villains

The plot to eradicate Paul and his family in Dune: Part Three will be carried out with the aid of Scytale, one of the Bene Tleilax’s Face Dancers. A member of this order of shapeshifters appeared in Dune: Prophecy, set long before the birth of Paul Atreides. However, they weren’t added to the Dune franchise until Dune Messiah introduced Scytale, who will reportedly be played by Robert Pattinson in Dune: Part Three.

An incredibly powerful and crafty villain, Scytale nearly kills Paul and his children in the books while impersonating the people in Paul’s ranks on Arrakis. He also manipulates the protagonist with the promise of bringing his loved ones back to life as gholas, which should make him a compelling final obstacle in Paul’s big screen trilogy, especially if Pattinson is portraying the character.

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Duncan Idaho/Hayt

Jason Momoa Will Return As Duncan (Sort Of)

Though Duncan died fighting the Imperial Sardaukar to protect Paul and Jessica in Dune: Part One, the noble swordsman will return in the third film. However, this won’t be the same Duncan. A clone of Paul’s mentor, going by the name “Hayt,” will be created by the Bene Tleilax and presented to Paul by Edric to weaken his resolve to rule the Imperium.

Hayt will also act as a sleeper agent programmed to ᴀssᴀssinate Paul, adding plenty of emotional conflict and suspense to the story. All in all, Hayt will be instrumental in the final battle between Paul and the insurgents in Dune: Part Three. Depending on how much the film follows the source material, the clone may even start a romantic relationship with Paul’s sister Alia.

3

Leto II Atreides

Paul’s Son And Heir Will Finally Appear In Dune: Part Three

This isn’t Duke Leto who will appear in the sequel, but Paul and Chani’s son, who was named after the former’s father. While the character was previously portrayed by James McAvoy in the Children of Dune TV series, Leto II will be portrayed in Villeneuve’s film by Jason Momoa’s son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa.

If future sequels follow the plot of the books, Leto II will eventually inherit his father’s тιтle as the ruler of the Atreides Empire. He will also use his powers as the Kwisatz Haderach to transform himself into an immortal, worm-like creature and become “God Emperor Leto,” allowing him to do what Paul couldn’t and lead humanity on the Golden Path.

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Ghanima Atreides

Paul And Chani’s Daughter Will Also Appear In The Third Dune Film

Paul will have not one, but two children in Dune: Part Three. Ghanima is the daughter of Paul and Chani and the twin sister of Leto II. Having been portrayed by Jessica Brooks in Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune, Ghanima will appear in Dune: Part Three, portrayed by actor Ida Brooke, who is most famous for her roles in Silo and The Primrose Railway Children.

Like her brother, Ghanima was born with incredible wisdom and the ability to access the knowledge of her ancestors. She thus provides guidance to Leto II on his journey following the events in Dune Messiah. Though she may not have a significant role in Dune: Part Three, the film will surely set her up to be a huge character in future cinematic adventures.

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Alia Atreides

Paul’s Sister Will Finally Be Born

Though Alia appeared to Paul in a vision in Dune: Part II (Anya Taylor-Joy), she still hadn’t been born yet by the time the film ended. Thus, she will likely appear in the flesh in Dune: Part Three due to the time jump featured in Dune Messiah, giving her a bigger role in Villeneuve’s third film.

If the threequel falls in line with the book’s story, Alia will look like a fully grown adult despite being 12 years old, having been exposed to the Water of Life while in utero, making it easier for Taylor-Joy to play her in the movie.

However, since the pre-born Alia worked closely with Jessica while she was still in the womb, it’s unknown what kind of devious dynamic mother and daughter will have in Dune: Part Three, especially since the latter didn’t appear in Dune Messiah.