Get a fresh batch of Spice in, everyone: Dune: Part Two is officially happening. Days after Dune opened in UK cinemas, the sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s epic Frank Herbert adaptation has been hanging in the balance ever since his take on the sci-fi novel was announced with the plan to split the first book – and now, after impressive initial box office takings and rave reviews, the next instalment has the green light. We will, indeed, be heading back to Arrakis, and picking up the next chapter of the story taking in Spice, Sandworms, and serious glances galore. The news was announced in a series of social media posts, with a tantalising, sun-scorched early poster for Part Two.
In a statement, Villeneuve said: “I just received news from Legendary that we are officially moving forward with Dune: Part Two. It was a dream of mine to adapt Frank Herbert’s Dune and I have the fans, the cast, and crew, Legendary and Warner Bros. to thank for supporting this dream. This is only the beginning.” Previously, the director indicated that was “ready to go” on shooting the second part next year if he got the go-ahead – and he’ll now be aiming for an October 2023 release date. That’s just two years to go, people.
Light spoilers for Part One follow.
The second film will see the return of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, and a much greater role for Zendaya’s Chani – who was only lightly featured in the first instalment. Stay tuned for more announcements on casting and returning figures in the coming weeks and months – remember that incredible initial splurge of confirmations when it seemed everyone was joining the cast of Dune? See you in the cinemas in 2023 – we’ll be the ones riding a giant Sandworm.