Timothée Chalamet hints at the start of filming for “Dune 3” in the desert.

The sands of Arrakis are shifting once again. Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet has sent waves across the internet by teasing the start of desert filming for Dune: Part Three. The actor shared a striking image of himself looking out into the dunes with the caption “DUN3 LOADING…”, instantly igniting fan excitement for Denis Villeneuve’s next chapter in the celebrated sci-fi saga.

Filming Begins in the Desert

After months of anticipation, filming for Dune: Part Three—or Dune: Messiah as it’s also called—has begun in the sweeping deserts of Abu Dhabi’s Liwa region and other remote locations across the Middle East. The desert landscapes once again stand in for the arid planet of Arrakis, home to the Fremen and the coveted spice melange. Production reportedly began in July 2025, with large-scale sand sequences now underway under Villeneuve’s meticulous direction [web:31][web:36][web:38].

What We Know About the Story

Following the events of Dune: Part Two, the story continues the rise and internal struggle of Paul Atreides (Chalamet), now revered as the messianic Muad’dib. Drawing inspiration from Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah novel, the film explores Paul’s political and moral battles as he faces the consequences of power and prophecy. The plot is said to take place a decade after the second film’s ending, pushing Arrakis deeper into warfare and philosophical reckoning [web:33][web:37].

Cast and New Faces

The iconic ensemble returns, led by Zendaya as Chani and Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan. Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin reprise their pivotal roles, while Anya Taylor-Joy joins as Alia Atreides. New additions include Robert Pattinson and rising stars Ida Brooke and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa portraying Paul and Chani’s children, marking a new generation in Herbert’s saga [web:35][web:39].

Denis Villeneuve’s Vision

Director Denis Villeneuve confirmed that Dune: Part Three will complete his journey through Herbert’s universe, calling it his final contribution to the Dune cinematic story. “This third film is the end of my vision of Arrakis,” he said in a recent interview. Villeneuve promises a film that blends spirituality, warfare, and fate against the backdrop of stunning desert cinematography and cutting-edge IMAX visuals [web:40][web:45].

Release Date and Expectations

Dune: Part Three is slated to hit theaters worldwide on December 18, 2026. As production moves forward through late 2025, audiences can expect the first official trailer sometime in mid-2026. With Chalamet’s teaser image already setting social media abuzz, expectations for Villeneuve’s trilogy finale have never been higher. The franchise, celebrated for its philosophical storytelling and breathtaking visuals, is poised to make its final bow in cinematic glory [web:31][web:37][web:49].