A major Fremen actor addresses whether they will return to Dune 3. Raising US$714 million at the box office, Denis Villeneuve Dune: Part 2 It surpassed all expectations commercially, while also generating Oscar buzz for Villeneuve and his behind-the-camera team. Now Villeneuve intends to complete the story of Paul Atreides and has begun the task of adapting Frank Herbert’s book Messiah Dune in Dune: Part Three.
Confirmation of the return of the stars for the third Dune the film is still in the future, but Stilgar actor Javier Bardem has made it clear that he definitely wants to return to the desert with Villeneuve. Bardem has indicated that he won’t be happy if, for some reason, Villeneuve eliminates Stilgar from the trilogy (via Variety):
“I know it’s in the book, so it should be in the script. If he isn’t, I’ll be very angry and tell him. I will go to Canada. Seriously, I totally love him. I adore him. Whatever he wants and whatever he decides, it will be fine with me. Absolutely. He is unique. He is an extraordinary human being. Such a loving, fun-loving, funny as hell man and a true worker.”
What does this mean for Dune 3
Stilgar is an important part of Dune Messiah
Herberto Messiah Dune picks up the action more than a decade after the events of the first Dune romance. The story shows Emperor Paul married to Princess Irulan, but sharing his bed with his concubine Chani. The Harkonnens may no longer be a threat, but Paul has many other enemies, who conspire to end his reign and restore the universe to its proper order.
Bardem was charming as Stilgar, bringing an unexpected humor to the character, whose blind fanaticism could easily have become irritating otherwise.
Bardem’s Stilgar is still in play in Dune Messiah. Paul’s biggest Fremen follower proved fanatically devoted in the first two Dune films, and if Villeneuve follows the book of Dune 3, Stilgar will still be Paul’s most devoted and trusted lieutenant. Given the size of Stilgar’s role in Dune Messiah, it would be a surprise if Villeneuve decided to ditch the character.
Our Take on Javier Bardem’s Dune 3 Potential Return
Bardem added some levity to Dune: Part Two
Bardem’s character was only seen briefly in Dune: Part 1as the film focused on the conflict between the Atreides and the Harkonnens. Dune: Part 2 then saw Stilgar and the Fremen fully emerge as characters, fleshing out the desert warriors in a rich and satisfying way. Bardem was charming as Stilgar, bringing an unexpected humor to the character, whose fanaticism could easily become irritating otherwise.
It would be really disappointing if Bardem didn’t return to Dune 3but there is no reason to believe that Villeneuve will remove Stilgar from the action. Stilgar may not have much character development in Messiah Dunebut he remains a key part of the action, as Paul faces a tortuous reign as emperor while trying to outwit the various conspirators who are coming for his throne. Bardem’s presence eased the atmosphere a little. Dune 2and it’s reasonable to expect him to do the same in the latest chapter of Villeneuve’s sci-fi saga.
Source: Variety