Denis Villeneuve’s next major film has been slated for a holiday release, though the exact nature of the project remains under wraps. Warner Bros. announced on Friday that the acclaimed director’s next “event film” will premiere on December 18, 2026, under the banner of Legendary Entertainment, the studio behind his successful Dune series.
While specific plot details have not been disclosed, Villeneuve, who recently directed “Dune: Part Two,” has previously suggested that his next project might not be another Dune film. However, sources indicate that Villeneuve might be reconsidering, potentially focusing on the next installment in the Dune saga. Legendary Entertainment has yet to comment on these speculations.
In addition to Villeneuve’s announcement, Warner Bros. revealed that an untitled film from Legendary’s MonsterVerse franchise is scheduled for release on March 26, 2027. Concurrently, a project from Locksmith Animation, originally slated for that date, has been removed from the studio’s schedule. The forthcoming MonsterVerse movie will be directed by Grant Sputore, taking over from Adam Wingard.
“Dune: Part Two,” which hit theaters in March, has grossed over $700 million globally. The film, starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Austin Butler, continues the narrative of Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he allies with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen after his family’s downfall, adapting Frank Herbert’s classic work.
In a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter during the release of “Dune: Part Two,” Villeneuve mentioned that he had several projects under consideration, with four different scripts on his table. He indicated that any delay in adapting Herbert’s 1969 novel “Dune Messiah” would be to ensure the screenplay meets his high standards.
“I might want to work on a project that feels more time-sensitive before tackling ‘Dune Messiah,’” Villeneuve hinted at the time.
The most recent entry in the MonsterVerse series, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” directed by Wingard, debuted in late March, earning $567 million worldwide.
Rumors are now circulating that Villeneuve’s upcoming project might indeed be “Dune: Messiah.” A report from DanielRPK suggests that production is set to begin in August 2025, confirming it as the third film in the Dune series. This would mark a shift in Villeneuve’s plans, indicating a desire to complete the trilogy sooner than initially intended.
The director has expressed his ambition to surpass the achievements of “Dune: Part Two” with any subsequent films. Speaking to Empire in March, Villeneuve said, “If we go back, it needs to be real, it needs to be relevant. If ever I do ‘Dune Messiah,’ [it’s] because it’s going to be better than Part Two. Otherwise, I don’t do it.”
“Dune Messiah,” known for its darker and more complex narrative, presents unique challenges for adaptation. The second book in Herbert’s series delves deeper into the consequences of Paul Atreides’ rise to power, dismantling his hero persona and offering a profound conclusion to his story arc.
As Villeneuve prepares for his next cinematic endeavor, fans eagerly await confirmation of whether “Dune: Messiah” will be his next project, promising another epic chapter in the iconic sci-fi saga.