Dune: Part Three first look - Robert Pattinson’s villain, resurrected Jason Momoa, bloodied Anya Taylor-Joy lead Timothée Chalamet's dark conclusion

Nine character posters for Dune: Part Three have been released by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment, formally kicking off the marketing campaign for Denis Villeneuve's third installment of the science fiction story. During the wee hours today, promotional materials were posted across social media. The makers confirmed the theatrical release date of December 18, 2026, and gave fans their first glimpses of returning favourites and major new cast members.

What do the new posters reveal about Dune: Part Three's visual tone and format?

The posters imply a darker tone shift for the last chapter of the trilogy while maintaining the high-contrast, close-up look established by the previous two films. Each still features the caption "THE EPIC CONCLUSION" and verifies that the production was shot in IMAX.

Fans of Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah will be particularly excited to hear that Jason Momoa is returning. Even though Duncan Idaho, his character in the first film, died, he is now known as "Hayt" on the poster. The photo proves that Momoa is a Tleilaxu "ghola"—a cybernetically enhanced biological clone—because it shows him with clouded, metallic-grey eyes.

ALSO READ: Timothée Chalamet calls Dune: Part Three a 'big swing' for the franchise: 'It's the eeriest one'

Which major new role is Robert Pattinson playing in Dune: Part Three?

Robert Pattinson, whose casting had been circulating in the industry for months, has joined the cast in a significant capacity. The Tleilaxu people recognise the actor as their facedancer, Scytale. A blurry, moving face overlay on his billboard alludes to his shapeshifting skills, which are a major plot point in the third film's political intrigue.

Returning from Dune: Part Two, Timothée Chalamet plays Paul Atreides, who seems much older and more worn out this time around. Characterised by deep blue "Eyes of Ibad" and scars, his visage reveals his complete immersion in Fremen society and spice usage. In a similar vein, Zendaya's Chani appears with her stillsuit intake tube, maintaining a look of severe readiness for battle.

What does Alia Atreides’ intense poster suggest about her development?

Anya Taylor-Joy, portraying Alia Atreides, has made significant progress since her brief, uncredited appearance in the second film. With her bloodied and wailing poster, she has the most graphic image of the bunch. This means the movie will take place between the books, setting Alia up as an imperial figure who is both powerful and perhaps unstable.

The remaining posters emphasise that the war is growing in scope. The serene, royal expression that Florence Pugh's Princess Irulan had in the last installment is drastically at odds with the broken, clay-like substance covering her face in this poster. Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson, is seen with her entire face inked with Fremen symbols, representing her enlarged role as a Reverend Mother and sacred leader.

Which Fremen leaders are highlighted in the final character posters?

Isaach De Bankolé plays Farok, a veteran of the Fremen who plays a crucial role in the aftermath of the Jihad, while Javier Bardem plays Stilgar, leader of the Fremen.

In conjunction with the poster release, a live TikTok event will be held tomorrow, March 18, at 9:00 AM PT, to unveil the first teaser trailer. This online-first approach is similar to the Part Two campaign in that it aims to engage a younger audience through social media.

What source material is Dune: Part Three adapting for its December release?

With the events of Dune Messiah coming to a close and the Atreides Empire rising to power, Dune: Part Three is set to adapt those events. On December 18, 2026, the film will open theatres around the world.