Florence Pugh says she will appear in the upcoming Dune: Messiah movie. The acclaimed actor also offered an encouraging production update about the sci-fi blockbuster.
Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar, Pugh confirmed that she will reprise her role as Princess Irulan in Messiah and will start shooting her scenes for the Denis Villeneuve film this summer. However, the actor kept details about her character and the threequel’s story close to vest, but hopes Princess Irulan will feature more in the movie. «I hope we see more of her. I want more cool outfits!»
Princess Irulan, the Emperor’s eldest daughter and Bene Gesserit initiate, played a key role in Frank Herbert’s Messiah novel as she featured prominently in Paul Atreides’ Imperial Consort, with that development being set up at the end of Part Two. Villeneuve previouslt hinted at more screen time for Pugh’s character in Messiah. «Her character is introduced in Part Two, but then if there is an adaptation of Dune Messiah, of course, Princess Irulan is one of the main characters in that story,» he said in 2024.
Not only will Princess Irulan be a featured character in Messiah, but Zendaya’s Chani, the young Fremen warrior and love interest of Timothée Chalamet’s Atreides, is also in line for a bigger role in the anticipated threequel. Meanwhile, Anya Taylor-Joy, who made a cameo as Atreides’ unborn sister, Alia, is also tapped for a potentially increased role in Messiah should she return.
The Dune Films Have Been A Huge Success
The Dune franchise has been a big success for Villeneuve, with many movie lovers preferring the films over Star Wars. The first two Dune films won eight Academy Awards and grossed over $1.1 billion at the global box office. Part Two earned a 92% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, higher than the first movie (83%). Messiah officially moved forward in 2024 after being teased for some time.
Villeneuve has also suggested that it could be the best story of the three films. Along with the familiar faces returning from Part Two, Messiah will also welcome back Jason Momoa, who appeared in the original Dune. Meanwhile, Messiah could also introduce The Batman star Robert Pattinson to the mix, as he’s reportedly been in talks for a significant role in the follow-up.
Though Villeneuve confirmed Messiah would be his last Dune film, the franchise may continue without him. Warner Bros. intends to make more Dune sequels without Villeneuve at the helm, with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story director Gareth Edwards being eyed as his replacement.
Dune: Messiah opens in theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.
