It’s Timothée Chalamet vs. Zendaya in the latest preview for Dune: Part Three.
Picking up nearly two decades after the events of Dune: Part Two, the third and final installment in Denis Villeneuve‘s epic adaptation of the classic Frank Herbert sci-fi/fantasy book series finds Paul Atreides (Chalamet) dealing with the fallout of his actions as emperor, his relationship with his lover Chani (Zendaya), and a potent new adversary in Scytale (Robert Pattinson).
In the final trailer, released Tuesday, Paul appears to be headed to the dark side, tainted by his inhuman powers and consumed with galactic war.
“After years of combat,” Paul says as epic battle scenes flash by, “I’ve become the oppressor Chani had sworn to fight. … I’m the enemy.”
The trailer also provides glimpses of returning cast members Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Jason Momoa.
“Dune: Part Three is one of my most personal films, if not my most personal film,” Villeneuve told reporters earlier this year. “It’s a film that is very close to me and very contemporary.”
“If the first movie was more of a contemplation — like a movie about a boy exploring a new world — and the second one was a war movie, this one is a thriller,” Villeneuve continued. “It’s more action-packed, more muscular than the others.”
But will it be more Oscar-worthy?
While 2026 is loaded with prestige fantasy and sci-fi in the form of The Odyssey and Project Hail Mary, Dune: Part Three is already a major part of the awards conversation, sight unseen. That’s based in part on the jaw-dropping trailer footage and in part on Villeneuve’s track record. He’s a four-time nominee, and the previous two Dune installments collected 15 total nominations, winning eight below-the-line statuettes.
The presence of The Odyssey will likely prevent Dune: Part Three from a Return of the King-like sweep; however, the threequel is currently predicted to be nominated for Best Picture, director, cinematography, film editing, production design, costume design, makeup and hairstyling, score, sound, and visual effects.
Dune: Part Three is also in the Top 10 for adapted screenplay and casting. Meanwhile, Chalamet hopes to notch his third consecutive Best Actor nom (he’s sitting at No. 15, but is expected to rise once the movie is released), while Zendaya (who is reportedly going lead) and the rest of the cast could also attract some awards attention.
“I can’t wait for fans to see this,” Zendaya said at a press event in March. “These movies have meant so much to me over the years. I’ve literally been able to grow up in my entire 20s doing them, so they have such a special place in my heart. … I’m very excited, very grateful to be a part of it.”
Dune: Part Three arrives in theaters on Dec. 18.
Best Picture
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Best Director
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Christopher Nolan
The Odyssey
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Javier Ambrossi, Javier Calvo
La Bola Negra
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Martin McDonagh
Wild Horse Nine
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Denis Villeneuve
Dune: Part Three
