Robert Pattinson in talks for villain role in ‘Dune: Messiah’-OxBig News Network

Robert Pattinson
| Photo Credit: Francois Durand

Robert Pattinson may soon be heading to Arrakis. The Batman and Tenet star is reportedly being eyed for a key villain role in Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming sci-fi sequel Dune: Messiah, according to Deadline.

While no official offer has been made, sources say there’s strong interest in casting Pattinson as Scytale, a shape-shifting Face Dancer from Frank Herbert’s original novels. If confirmed, Pattinson would join a high-profile ensemble alongside returning stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, and Austin Butler. Jason Momoa is also expected to reprise his role as Duncan Idaho, a character whose storyline ties closely with Scytale’s in the books.

Pattinson’s schedule is already packed — he’s set to return as the Caped Crusader in The Batman – Part II and will star in Christopher Nolan’s next project, The Odyssey.

Dune: Messiah picks up 12 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, with Paul Atreides now Emperor and the story explores the consequences of his rise to power.

The previous two films have been major successes. Dune brought in $410 million globally despite pandemic-era streaming, while Dune: Part Two crossed the $700 million mark. Dune: Messiah is expected to begin filming this summer, with a release date set for December 18, 2026.

Villeneuve has confirmed this will be his final Dune film. Legendary and Warner Bros. declined to comment on Pattinson’s potential involvement.