Before we get into some recent quotes about the end of “Dune: Part Two” made by Denis Villeneuve, it’s important to know that nothing said in this piece will be considered a spoiler. That said, if you want to be completely fresh, then you probably shouldn’t read and just go watch the sequel and be amazed by what happens. For those who remain, let’s talk about why Denis Villeneuve is sticking close to the end of the original “Dune” novel, for better or worse.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Denis Villeneuve talked about the end of “Dune: Part Two.” And all that really means is that the filmmaker said exactly what he’s been saying for years, he’s staying close to the source material, written by the legendary Frank Herbert back in 1965. That means, without spoiling anything, “Dune: Part Two,” just like the original novel, ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. No, not a “to be continued…” or anything as egregious as that. But the end of ‘Part Two,’ as is the ending of the book, won’t necessarily give you all the answers you were hoping to receive. (That’s why people who have read the novels have been desperate to know if Villeneuve will make “Dune: Messiah,” which does give those answers.)
Well, even though the answers are known and he could have given some of them at the end of ‘Part Two,’ Villeneuve was very much only interested in ending his adaptation exactly as the book ends.
“That’s how the book ends,” Villeneuve said. “The ‘Dune’ book ends with the beginning of something that is out of control, and I thought this was a very powerful ending. I feel that both movies complete the adaptation of the book, and I feel very good about that. When people ask me, is there a world where I could do ‘Messiah?’ Yes…”
A lot of the discourse in the weeks leading up to “Dune: Part Two” have been about the possibility of a third film—the aforementioned adaptation of ‘Messiah.’ Obviously, that’s a big question, mostly because the studio has to be excited by the prospect of another film in this incredibly beloved and Oscar-winning franchise. But fans of the novels know the “real” story of Paul Atreides (played by Timothee Chalamet) doesn’t come into full focus until the end of ‘Messiah.’ So, even though Villeneuve will have done the seemingly impossible—making a beautiful, acclaimed adaptation of “Dune”—it’s not the full story audiences might be hoping for.
The only problem is the third film will likely be after a sizable break for Villeneuve. The filmmaker made both ‘Dune’ films nearly back-to-back and wants to take a vacation before considering what his next move might be. Luckily for “Dune” fans, ‘Messiah’ does begin with a sizable time-jump, which is something the filmmaker will respect.
“I will respect again Frank Herbert’s idea to jump in time. That’s what I would love to do,” Villeneuve added.
So, don’t be disheartened if Villeneuve decides to make another film before ‘Messiah.’ It’s not all that bad of an idea. But let’s just hope, especially for those hoping for a more “clean” ending of “Dune,” that ‘Messiah’ is on the schedule at some point.