Robert Pattinson to Play Scytale in ‘Dune 3’: The Shape-Shifting Villain Explained

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It appears that Dune: Messiah could be welcoming a new antagonist, as various media outlets suggest that Robert Pattinson is being considered for the project. Joining a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Anya Taylor-Joy, who have already confirmed their involvement in the upcoming movie, reports hint that Pattinson might be taking on the role of the main adversary. Given that the film is an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune: Messiah, it seems fitting for Pattinson to portray Scytale, a shape-shifting villain in the story. This casting choice not only suits Pattinson but also promises some intriguing plot twists for the third installment of the sci-fi series.

Who Is Scytale in ‘Dune’?

In the novel “Dune: Messiah,” which serves as a sequel to the initial “Dune” book, we’re introduced to Scytale. He appears alongside the Bene Tleilax, an intriguing group residing on the planet Tleilax. The Bene Tleilax are particularly adept in the realm of genetic engineering, even venturing into clone creation.

In the Dune universe, the Tleilaxu are renowned for their Face-Changers, who possess the unique ability to assume the identity of other human beings. These Face-Changers made their debut in the book series during ‘Dune: Messiah’, although they were hinted at earlier in the franchise through the prequel series ‘Dune: Prophecy’. Among the notable Face-Changers in ‘Dune: Messiah’ is Scytale.

It hasn’t been confirmed yet if Robert Pattinson will portray Scytale, but given the current roster of characters, it seems there aren’t many roles left for him to take on. Scytale is the main antagonist in Dune: Messiah, who instigates a plot against Paul Atreides, which includes established figures such as Reverend Mother Mohiam of the Bene Gesserit and Princess Irulan. Intriguingly, Paul is set to marry Princess Irulan at the end of Dune: Part Two. The intrigue surrounding Scytale’s character will also introduce some new faces to the storyline.

In the movie “Dune: Messiah,” Pattinson will assume an intriguing part where Scytale fluidly assumes characters within Paul’s inner circle. Notably, Face Dancers aren’t confined by gender, and Scytale, in the book, illustrates this ability by transforming into both male and female personas. The upcoming film promises to be captivating as it portrays these metamorphoses, a task that might be more straightforward for readers to visualize than for filmmakers to depict.

Get Ready for ‘Dune: Messiah’ To Get Weird

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must say that the 2021 Dune movie was quite straightforward, but Dune: Part Two took a turn towards the enigmatic as it delved deeper into the political intricacies of the Dune universe. If Dune: Messiah stays true to the book, it certainly seems like it will get even more mind-bending. The novel revolves around Paul Atreides’ rule as both emperor and messiah among the Fremen. He is plagued by numerous visions that hint he’s guiding the universe towards a troubled future, yet he remains uncertain about how to respond.

Similar to Scytale, other individuals perceive Paul’s rule as perilous and take actions to depose him, employing psychological tactics along the way. Scytale is not alone among Tleilaxu creations sent to challenge Paul; they also produced a duplicate of Paul’s confidant, Duncan Idaho. Initially devoid of Duncan Idaho’s recollections, this clone, named Hayt, was created with the intention of undermining Paul. At one point, Hayt was even ordered to assassinate Paul before regaining Duncan Idaho’s memories. Since Jason Momoa, the actor portraying Duncan Idaho, has confirmed his return to the series, it is likely that this plot will be incorporated into the upcoming film adaptation.

In the story, there is an unusual dynamic within Paul’s closest group, as Paul chooses to have twins with Chani rather than his wife, Princess Irulan. Despite being a concubine, Chani and her children become crucial in the plot, serving as means to control Paul. Scytale uses the threat of harming Paul’s children and offering him a clone of Chani after her demise. However, it remains unclear how the upcoming Dune film will handle this part of the story since Chani parts ways with Paul at the end of Dune: Part Two.

It’s No Surprise That Robert Pattinson’s Joining the Cast of ‘Dune’

It’s hardly shocking that rumors suggest Robert Pattinson might join the cast of Dune: Messiah this year, given his strong relationship with Warner Bros., who have distributed successful films like Tenet, The Batman, and Mickey 17. With such a positive track record, it would be quite an oversight for Warner Bros. if they miss the opportunity to work with Pattinson on Dune: Messiah.

The Dune series has garnered significant success by selecting young actors who are on their way to becoming household names, such as Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Austin Butler. Interestingly enough, although Robert Pattinson is somewhat older than these actors, his career trajectory seems remarkably similar. His rise to fame through the Harry Potter and Twilight series, along with his recent success, gives the impression that he would blend seamlessly into the ensemble cast.

Robert Pattinson’s recent roles have seen him take on some peculiar characters. Notably, in the movie ‘Mickey 17’, he demonstrated his skill at portraying various incarnations of the same character, altering his voice and demeanor to suit each Mickey clone. This kind of versatility is exactly what’s required for a character like Scytale, who shares the genre’s strange, sci-fi vibe with Mickey 17. Although it’s expected that other actors will handle Scytale’s transformations in the film, Pattinson’s ability to empathize with multiple characters makes him an ideal fit for Scytale.

Dune: Part 3 is scheduled to release in theaters on December 16, 2026.

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2025-04-09 23:32