The 2020s are shaping up to be a remarkable decade for science fiction cinema, showcasing a compelling blend of original ideas and established franchises. Some standout examples include mind-bending films like “Tenet,” “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.” A prime representative of this thriving genre is the Dune franchise, which has produced two critically acclaimed films so far, with a third installment on the horizon.
“Dune: Part Two” has been hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, with director Denis Villeneuve crafting a sequel that not only exceeded its predecessor in quality but also outperformed it at the box office, earning $715 million compared to the first film’s $411 million, which was affected by the pandemic. The eagerly anticipated “Dune: Part Three” is set for release in 2026, and star Timothée Chalamet recently offered fans a glimpse of the upcoming film through a behind-the-scenes image shared on his Instagram Stories. The photo features Chalamet, who portrays Paul Atreides, gazing into a desert sunset, captioned “DUN3 LOADING.” This location, likely from the Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi, will serve as the film’s interpretation of the planet Arrakis. Filming commenced in Budapest earlier this year before moving to the United Arab Emirates, and Chalamet’s post hints at more official images forthcoming as production progresses.
“Dune: Part Three” holds significant promise, although it comes with its challenges. Achieving the same level of excellence as “Part Two” will be no easy feat, especially given the complexities of adapting Frank Herbert’s “Dune: Messiah,” a story that delves into even more strange and unconventional territory. However, with Villeneuve at the helm and major cast members returning alongside new additions like Robert Pattinson, anticipation remains high for this installment.
2026 is poised to be a landmark year for sci-fi enthusiasts, featuring numerous exciting film releases. “Project Hail Mary,” starring Ryan Gosling and based on Andy Weir’s novel, is slated for release on March 20. Given the success of “The Martian,” another Weir adaptation, expectations are elevated for this project. The following week will see the return of Ridley Scott, the mastermind behind classics like “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” with his post-apocalyptic film “The Dog Stars,” which explores the aftermath of a devastating virus.
Moreover, sci-fi legend Steven Spielberg is also making a comeback with an untitled UFO project, anticipating a summer release on June 12 that promises to deliver some of that classic Spielbergian charm.
Fans can also look forward to major franchise releases, including “The Mandalorian and Grogu” on May 22, “Supergirl” on July 26, and “Avengers: Doomsday” scheduled for December 18, coinciding with the release of “Dune: Part Three.” While there’s much to be excited about, it’s hard to overlook the standout potential of “Dune 3,” which aims to solidify its place among the marquee offerings in 2026.
“Dune: Part Three” is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, with the first two films currently available for streaming on HBO Max. The future of science fiction appears brighter than ever, leaving fans eager for the latest adventures in the genre.