English actress Florence Pugh has confirmed that she will be reprising her role as Princess Irulan Corino in Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film Dune: Part Three (aka Dune Messiah). The film will take place 12 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, which was released in 2024 and is based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah. Pugh revealed this in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, joking, “I hope she [Irulan] shows up more. I want more amazing dresses!” The film is set to begin filming this summer.
Pugh's Journey as Irulan
Florence Pugh appeared in Dune: Part Two as Princess Irulan, the eldest daughter of the 81st Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken) and daughter of Anirul, a Bene Gesserit of Hidden Rank. In the film, Irulan advises her father about the events taking place on Arrakis and suggests that he protect his throne by encouraging war. At the end of the film, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) defeats Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler) and demands that Irulan marry him, who agrees to the marriage on the condition that she spare her father's life, although she is unaware of Paul's relationship with Chani (Zendaya).
However, some critics and fans felt that Irulan's role in Dune: Part Two was too limited, noting that Pugh's star power and acting ability were not fully utilized. In the Dune novel, Irulan appears primarily as a historian through chapter epigraphs, but her role is significantly expanded in Dune Messiah, where she becomes Paul's Imperial Consort, exerting significant influence over his decisions and relationship with Chani.
Irulan's role in Dune: Part Three
In Dune Messiah, Irulan's marriage to Paul remains a political agreement, as he loves Chani and hopes to have an heir with her. Irulan, under Bene Gesserit orders, tries to maintain her position by secretly giving Chani contraceptives, hoping to continue the Atreides-Corino dynasty. Her actions lead to key plot twists, including Chani's pregnancy and events that affect Paul's eventual fate.
Villeneuve previously introduced Irulan as Chani in Dune: Part Two (as in Dune: Part One) and suggested that she would be a central character in Dune: Part Three. "I wanted Irulan to never be seen as a victim, and Florence is a great actress who can convey so much information with her eyes without lines," he told RadioTimes. The comments suggest that Pugh's acting skills are being used to the full to portray Irulan's complex and powerful character in Dune: Part Three.
Other cast and filming
Dune: Part Three will see Timothée Chalamet (Paul Atreides), Zendaya (Chaney), Anya Taylor-Joy (Alia Atreides), Javier Bardem (Stilgar), and Charlotte Rampling (Gaius Helen Mohium) reprising their roles. The film follows the events following Paul's Holy War and Chaney's departure at the end of Dune: Part Two, delving deeper into Irulan's political machinations and the Bene Gesserit's plans.
Fans and critics' expectations
While there was some disappointment with Irulan's limited role in Dune: Part Two, fans are excited about her expanded role in Dune: Part Three. Posts on social media platform X highlight Pugh's return and her expressed interest in the character's stunning costumes, which are likely to further enhance the film's visual appeal. Irulan's wardrobe in Dune: Part Two, particularly her chainmail dress and gold-crowned dress, are noted for their flamboyance and Bene Gesserit influence.
Overall, Florence Pugh's Irulan role in Dune: Part Three will be a pivotal part of the Dune saga, with her complex political intrigue, Bene Gesserit training, and relationships with Paul and Chaney likely to add to the story's depth. For more details, stay tuned to the official announcement or Warner Bros. channels.