Robert Pattinson described the extreme heat during filming of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three as so intense that it left him without a functioning brain cell. The actor, who joins the franchise in a key role, recounted his experience in a recent interview. The third installment is set for release on December 18, 2026.
Robert Pattinson, known for his role as Batman, has opened up about the grueling conditions on the set of Dune: Part Three. In an interview with IndieWire, the actor detailed how the scorching desert heat in locations like the Arabian desert made filming a surreal and mentally numbing experience. "When I was doing Dune it was so hot in the desert that I just couldn’t question anything," Pattinson said. "And it was so relaxing, like my brain actually wasn’t operating. I did not have a single functioning brain cell. And I was just listening to Denis [Villeneuve]: ‘Whatever you want!'"
Casting and Role Details
Pattinson's involvement in the third Dune film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, was recently confirmed, though specifics of his character remain somewhat under wraps. Reports suggest he will portray the villainous Scytale from Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah, the source material for the movie. This marks a significant addition to the ensemble, which includes returning stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, and others. Newcomers like Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke are also joining to play the twins of Paul and Chani.
The production follows the success of the first two films, which were shot in similarly harsh environments. Past cast members have shared comparable stories of endurance; for instance, Austin Butler recounted heat stroke incidents during Dune: Part Two, while Zendaya described suffering from dehydration due to her heavy costume. Villeneuve has noted the physical toll, crediting a break between productions for allowing the team to recharge.
Dune: Part Three continues the saga, exploring the consequences of Paul Atreides' rise to power. Filming wrapped recently for Pattinson, who is now promoting other projects like Die My Love alongside Zendaya and preparing for The Batman: Part II.