If you’re wondering how many Dune movies there will be, let me just tell you that you are not alone! Denis Villeneuve kicked things off with Dune: Part One in 2021, which set the stage for a massive, visually stunning adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic.
The second part, Dune: Part Two, hit theaters in 2024, continuing the saga of Paul Atreides. But the story doesn’t stop there, Villeneuve has hinted at a third movie based on Dune Messiah, the sequel to the original novel. This means we could be diving even deeper into the Dune universe with more movies in the future.
If you’re curious about how many Dune movies there will be, keep reading to find out all the details!
Advertisement How Many Dune Movies There Will Be?
Given the impact of Frank Herbert’s Dune on science fiction, it’s easy to see why it has been adapted for the screen multiple times. The novels are filled with rich details, complex characters, and vast settings, making them perfect material for film. Herbert’s writing pulls readers into the world of Arrakis, but seeing it on screen offers a whole new experience, bringing the desert planet to life in a way that feels like a fresh adventure.
Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Dune (Unreleased)
In the 1970s, director Alejandro Jodorowsky planned a Dune film with a unique vision, including music by Pink Floyd and a star-studded cast. Unfortunately, the project ran out of money before production, and by 1978, it was canceled. A 2013 documentary, Jodorowsky’s Dune, details this unrealized adaptation.
David Lynch’s Dune (1984)
David Lynch directed the 1984 Dune, starring Kyle MacLachlan and Sting. Despite its box office failure, it became a cult classic. This version ended any plans for sequels but remains a key adaptation in Dune history.
Dune Miniseries (2000, 2003)
The complex Dune saga worked well in a miniseries format. The first miniseries, Frank Herbert’s Dune, aired on the Sci-Fi Channel (later SyFy) in 2000 and earned three Emmy nominations, winning two. It was followed by Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune in 2003, continuing the story with another three-part series.
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021, 2024)
The latest Dune film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, was released in 2021 with a sequel, Dune: Part Two, set for 2024. With impressive visuals and a star cast, it has revived interest in the Dune franchise alongside the upcoming prequel series Dune: The Prophecy.
These adaptations have kept Dune alive in popular culture, and with the new films and series, the franchise is more exciting than ever.
How Many Dune Books Are There?
There are 23 books in the Dune Chronicles. Frank Herbert wrote six of these books, including Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune. He passed away in 1986, just a year after releasing his final Dune novel. His son, Brian Herbert, then teamed up with author Kevin J. Anderson to continue the series, writing 17 more books set in the Dune universe.
| Book | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Dune | 1965 |
| Dune Messiah | 1969 |
| Children of Dune | 1976 |
| God Emperor of Dune | 1981 |
| Heretics of Dune | 1984 |
| Chapterhouse: Dune | 1985 |
| House Atreides | 1999 |
| House Harkonnen | 2000 |
| House Corrino | 2001 |
| The Butlerian Jihad | 2002 |
| The Machine Crusade | 2003 |
| The Battle of Corrin | 2004 |
| Hunters of Dune | 2006 |
| Sandworms of Dune | 2007 |
| Paul of Dune | 2008 |
| The Winds of Dune | 2009 |
| Sisterhood of Dune | 2012 |
| Mentats of Dune | 2014 |
| Navigators of Dune | 2016 |
| The Duke of Caladan | 2020 |
| The Lady of Caladan | 2021 |
| The Heir of Caladan | 2022 |
| Princess of Dune | 2023 |
When is Dune 3 Scheduled For? The Franchise Sum-Up!
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films begin with an adaptation of the first novel, and Dune: Part Three will continue the saga with an adaptation of the second book, Dune: Messiah. While Villeneuve has kept many details under wraps, Warner Bros. has confirmed the film will be released on December 18, 2026. There are over 20 books in the Dune series, but only the first six were written by Frank Herbert. The initial two novels primarily focus on Paul Atreides, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet in Villeneuve’s films, as he navigates his rise to power in a vast and complex universe.
While Dune has been adapted before, Villeneuve’s version has turned the series into a major Hollywood hit. The success of Dune: Part Two has made a third film almost essential. Dune: Part Three would likely wrap up Paul Atreides’ story before exploring the more complex parts of the later books.
By the start of Dune: Messiah, Paul Atreides has become emperor of the universe, not just a messianic figure. His rule sparked religious zeal, leading the Fremen to push for a war that could kill billions. With control over his memories and future visions, Paul tries to stop humanity’s destruction while facing assassination plots from rival royal families.
Princess Irulan is Paul’s wife, keeping him on the throne, but she opposes him and even tries to stop Paul and Chani from having a child since he refuses to let Irulan bear his heir. The Dune series highlights the danger of blind faith, and Dune: Part Three will be a crucial continuation of this theme.
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Let’s Wrap Up!
As of now, there will be at least three Dune movies. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two cover the first novel, and Dune: Part Three is confirmed to adapt the second book, Dune: Messiah. There are over 20 books in the Dune series, but the first six were written by Frank Herbert. Villeneuve’s films primarily focus on adapting the first two novels. The success of these films has sparked interest in potentially more adaptations, though future plans remain uncertain.