EXCLUSIVE: Robert Pattinson Is Set to Portray ‘Scytale’ in 'Dune 3'

As Denis Villeneuve’s highly anticipated sequel to Dune: Part Two gears up for production this Summer, its first new cast member has joined the film.

Nexus Point News can exclusively report that Robert Pattinson is set to portray Scytale, in Dune 3. This news follows Deadline’s initial report that Pattinson was in talks to join the cast of the film in an undisclosed role. Nexus Point News has been tracking this casting for weeks now and can report that a deal is already closed or close to closing although Deadline reported an offer has not been made.

Pattinson will be portraying Scytale, a character first introduced in Frank Herbert’s 1969 novel, Dune Messiah. Scytale is a face dancer and a member of the Bene Tleilax, a mysterious society known for their interest in genetic manipulation. They are responsible for the creation of the first Duncan Idaho ghola, a role that Jason Momoa will return to portray in this upcoming film. Scytale is being described as the film’s primary antagonist and in the novel is known for conspiring with the Guild Navigator Edric, Reverend Mother Mohiam (Charlotte Rampling), and Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) to overthrow the emperor, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet).

NPN has also learned in addition to Scytale’s involvement in the film, other major characters set to appear in the film are the revolutionary Farok and Paul and Chani’s (Zendaya) children, Leto and Ghanima. Casting is currently underway for these characters. With the inclusion of the twins, the film is set to include a major time jump as they will be in their teens.

Dune 3 is slated to begin shooting in July and continue through the end of the year. Writer and director of the first two films, Denis Villeneuve, returns to write and direct the third installment of the series. With Pattinson’s involvement in the project, this would prevent him from donning the cape and cowl in The Batman - Part II until early 2026 at the earliest.

Legendary’s Dune 3 is currently rumored to release on December 16, 2026.