The highly anticipated Dune 3 has already sparked intense discussions among fans regarding its cast. With the massive success of Dune: Part Two, the pressure is on for the third installment to maintain its epic storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerhouse performances. However, recent reports suggest that some major stars may not return, while others have been confirmed to reprise their roles. One of the biggest questions remains: Will Zendaya return as Chani?

4 Actors Confirmed to Return for Dune 3

While Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures have kept many details under wraps, industry insiders have confirmed the return of four key actors whose roles are crucial to the film’s narrative.

Timothée Chalamet (Paul Atreides)

There is absolutely no Dune 3 without Timothée Chalamet. His portrayal of Paul Atreides has been widely praised, and his journey in the Dune universe is far from over. Given where Dune: Part Two left off, Paul’s rise to power and his complex decisions will be central to the final installment. Chalamet’s return is not just expected—it’s guaranteed.

Paul’s character arc will continue to explore themes of leadership, prophecy, and the burden of power. The final installment could take deeper dives into Paul’s struggle with his vision of the future, his transformation into the feared ruler, and his inner conflicts regarding love and destiny.

Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica)

Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson, has been a driving force behind Paul’s destiny. Her deep involvement with the Bene Gesserit and her influence over the Fremen make her an essential character in the upcoming film. Ferguson’s performance has been critically acclaimed, making her return a necessary piece of the puzzle.

As Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica’s political and spiritual influence grows. Dune 3 may explore her continued conflict with the Bene Gesserit order, her adaptation to Fremen culture, and her own personal ambitions. She could play a key role in shaping the future of Arrakis beyond Paul’s leadership.

Javier Bardem (Stilgar)

With Paul fully integrating into the Fremen way of life, Javier Bardem’s Stilgar will play a crucial role in shaping his leadership and guiding his transformation into Muad’Dib. Bardem’s commanding presence and powerful performance in Dune: Part Two solidified his place in the franchise, ensuring his return for Dune 3.

Stilgar’s devotion to Paul will likely be tested in Dune 3, as he faces the reality of the messianic figure he once revered. His character could undergo significant growth as he navigates the tensions between faith, politics, and the changing fate of Arrakis.

Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan)

A major addition in Dune: Part Two, Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Princess Irulan is expected to be even more significant in Dune 3. As the daughter of Emperor Shaddam IV, her political importance is immense, and fans anticipate that her role in Paul’s empire will only grow in the final chapter.

Irulan’s struggle between her duty to the empire and her complex relationship with Paul will be a compelling element of Dune 3. She may emerge as a key player in future betrayals, political maneuvers, and the larger intergalactic power struggles.

5 Stars Seemingly Won’t Be Back for Dune 3

While some actors have been confirmed to return, others appear to be on the cutting block—either due to character arcs concluding, behind-the-scenes decisions, or scheduling conflicts.

Austin Butler (Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen)

Austin Butler delivered a terrifyingly intense performance as Feyd-Rautha, the sadistic and cunning Harkonnen heir. However, given the fate of his character in Dune: Part Two, his return seems highly unlikely—unless director Denis Villeneuve surprises audiences with unexpected flashbacks.

Feyd-Rautha’s character, known for his brutal ambition, was positioned as a major antagonist. If Dune 3 takes creative liberties, there could be room for scenes depicting the fallout of his rule over Arrakis or political shifts within House Harkonnen.

Christopher Walken (Emperor Shaddam IV)

The legendary Christopher Walken made a significant impact as Emperor Shaddam IV, but with Paul Atreides dismantling the old regime, it seems that his character’s time has come to an end. If Dune 3 follows the book’s events closely, the Emperor’s influence will diminish, making his return unnecessary.

However, if Villeneuve chooses to expand on the political repercussions of Paul’s uprising, Walken’s character could have a small but powerful final appearance.

Léa Seydoux (Lady Margot)

As a member of the Bene Gesserit, Léa Seydoux’s Lady Margot played a small but intriguing role in Dune: Part Two. However, her character’s significance in Dune 3 is uncertain. Unless Villeneuve expands her storyline beyond the source material, Seydoux may not return.

Lady Margot’s connections to the Bene Gesserit and House Corrino could be leveraged for additional intrigue, but at this point, her absence seems more probable than her return.

Dave Bautista (Glossu Rabban)

Another character whose fate was sealed in Dune: Part Two is Glossu Rabban, played by Dave Bautista. His brutal yet simplistic approach to ruling Arrakis ultimately led to his downfall, making a return virtually impossible unless flashbacks are involved.

Stellan Skarsgård (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen)

The towering presence of Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen defined much of the tension in Dune and Dune: Part Two. However, given his character’s demise, it seems unlikely that Skarsgård will return—unless Villeneuve finds a way to integrate his influence through past events or hallucinations.

Zendaya’s Return: A Big Question Mark

One of the most discussed topics surrounding Dune 3 is the fate of Zendaya’s Chani. Despite her expanded role in Dune: Part Two, fans are questioning whether she will be back for the final installment.

Zendaya’s schedule, the character’s trajectory, and Villeneuve’s vision for Dune 3 all factor into this uncertainty. Chani’s relationship with Paul is central to the story, but her fate remains unclear.

If Dune 3 adapts Dune Messiah faithfully, Chani could have a pivotal role, yet the nature of her arc might not align with mainstream expectations. Villeneuve may take creative liberties to ensure Zendaya’s continued involvement, or he may choose to shift focus elsewhere.

Dune 3 is shaping up to be another cinematic masterpiece, but the changes in its cast will undoubtedly impact the final chapter. While Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Florence Pugh are set to return, the absence of key antagonists like Austin Butler and Stellan Skarsgård will leave a void. And with Zendaya’s involvement still uncertain, fans are left eagerly waiting for official news.

Will Villeneuve surprise audiences with unexpected comebacks? Can Zendaya’s schedule accommodate another epic role? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—Dune 3 is bound to be an unforgettable conclusion to this legendary saga.