Denis Villeneuve is “afraid” to adapt more books after Dune 3

The excitement for Dune 2 is not letting up as the cast has already teased how it will set up the next installment – but Denis Villeneuve is unsure of more after Dune 3.

Dune 2 will see the return of Paul Atreides after joining the Fremen in the desert. He will lean into his role as the Muad’Dib and bring down the House of Harkonnen. Everyone is eager to see the new installment of the franchise based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 book series, knowing it can lead to Dune 3.

With an already-established storyline, Denis Villeneuve has been praised for his ability to bring the story to life. It’s a bold and advanced version compared to the original 1984 movie by David Lynch. There are a total of six books to adapt for the movie franchise. Each movie has so far correlated to each book in the series.

As Dune 2 is set to release in theaters and is setting up Dune 3, Villeneuve reveals the franchise might not go further.

Dune 2 director reveals if he will continue the franchise

Denis Villeneuve revealed that he has hopes to return for Dune 3, but is unclear if he will continue the franchise due to the amount of time it takes to create the movies. But time will tell.

Speaking to Inverse, the director isn’t saying no indefinitely to more installments. “These movies are very long to make, and I was very, very inspired to do Part One and Part Two. And I still feel the spark is still there to make a third one. I’ll see after, how I feel. I’ll see if the will, the enthusiasm is still there,” he explained.

He continued by saying, “But I can only make those adaptations by being fully committed and giving everything. It’s like I have to put my heart on the table.”

Amid his other projects in the works, Villeneuve explains that time is passing and is unsure if he wants to “spend the rest of my days on Arrakis.”

But the director also explains one of the reasons why adopting further installments of Herbert’s books is a bit cumbersome compared to the earlier installments. “I’m frankly afraid of the other books because they become pretty esoteric and more difficult to adapt,” he explained.

Die-hard Dune fans are aware that the books shift away from Paul Atreides as the main character. At some point, he does meet his death. The books instead shift the focus to his descendants and his sister Alia. Writing out Timothée Chalamet’s character to fit the book storyline might not go over well with fans as he’s become an integral part of the franchise’s success.

Villeneuve gives fans hope as he’s willing to do more movies if he still has the energy to do so. For now, he’s focusing on the success of Dune 2 and the possibility of a third installment.