Earlier today, I mentioned how Greig Fraser, who was cinematographer on Denis Villeneuve’s first two ‘Dune’ movies, might not be returning for the third instalment, “Dune: Messiah.”
Fraser’s replacement will be Oscar winning DP Linus Sandgren whose most notable work can be seen in “La La Land”, “Saltburn,” “Babylon,” and “No Time to Die.” Sandgren recently lensed Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” which is set for release later next year.
Yesterday, a reader, the always entertaining George, had initially mentioned the Lindgren/Dune rumor in the comments section, and Jeff Sneider has now heard the same thing. Another source tells me Lindgren hasn’t signed up yet, but is “in talks” to join ‘Messiah.’ I’ve reached to Legendary for comment on this story, but still haven’t heard back from them.
This would be a big loss for Villeneuve. Fraser is one of the best and most talented DPs in the game. It is very possible that Fraser’s absence in ‘Messiah’ might have to do with his commitment to Matt Reeves’ “The Batman: Part II,” which, like ‘Messiah,’ is supposed to shoot next summer.
I’m hearing ‘Messiah’ will start production in August. Although no cast has been confirmed yet, and if Villeneuve follows the storyline in Frank Herbert’s book, Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson and Josh Brolin will all be coming back for this one.
I’d be very curious to know exactly how Villeneuve will attempt to pull off “Dune: Messiah.” Frank Herbert’s source material is not as audience friendly as the first book. If Villeneuve sticks to the source material, it would be a very different film than the first two. Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, now a powerful dictator, would not be likable at all. The storytelling isn’t blockbuster material — more solemn, less action. Good luck, Denis.
‘Messiah’ is eyeing a December 18th, 2026 release.