Speculation has been mounting online, suggesting a delayed release for Dune: Messiah. This is due to the film being slated for release on the same day Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters. Moreover, Dune director Denis Villeneuve has recently been tapped to helm the next James Bond film for Amazon and MGM Studios. This development has also caused fans to grow concerned about the possibility of Dune: Messiah being delayed.
So, is Dune: Messiah getting delayed due to Avengers: Doomsday and the next James Bond film? Here’s what we have learned on the subject.
Will Dune 3: Messiah be delayed due to James Bond and Avengers: Doomsday?
There is no official confirmation on whether Dune: Messiah has been delayed. Fans have speculated about a delay because the film is currently set to release on the same day as Avengers: Doomsday. It’s also unconfirmed whether Denis Villeneuve’s recent hiring as the next James Bond movie director has impacted its release date.
However, it’s possible that the film could get delayed. This is because Warner Bros. likely will not want Dune: Messiah to compete with Disney and Marvel‘s Avengers: Doomsday.
Additionally, Amazon reportedly paid an extra $1 billion to secure the James Bond rights. Because the character’s rights will enter the public domain in 2035, the studio wants to fast-track the next film. As a result, Villeneuve may delay Dune 3 to focus on directing the new James Bond project.
On the other hand, Warner Bros. may choose to pre-pone Dune: Messiah from its current December 18, 2026 release date. This would allow Villeneuve to complete the film before he transitions to directing James Bond.
Deadline reported earlier this year that Dune: Messiah will begin filming this summer.
The studio recently revealed major casting news for Dune: Messiah. According to the outlet, Jason Momoa‘s son Nakoa-Wolf and Silo actress Ida Brooke have joined the cast of the upcoming film. The two actors will play Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani’s (Zendaya) twin children, Leto II and Ghanima Atreides, respectively.
