Dune 3 Might Reintroduce Jessica for a More Epic Story

Right now, the production of Dune 3 is underway, and there are some key choices that need to be made. This upcoming film follows in the footsteps of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies, which were met with positive reviews, receiving Academy Award nominations and critical praise. The second installment was also a commercial triumph, earning over $714.6 million globally at the box office. As of now, the release date for Dune 3 is not yet known, but it’s expected that Villeneuve’s next film, scheduled for December 18, 2026, will continue the story of Paul Atreides.

Messiah,” which is the second book in Frank Herbert’s renowned science-fiction series. This book was published in 1969, but it’s often seen as one of the weaker entries in the series due to wrapping up Paul’s epic storyline. However, Villeneuve has the chance to alter something significant in his film adaptation with this project.

Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica Is One Dune’s Most Fascinating Characters In The First Two Movies

Ferguson’s Performance Only Makes This Better

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The intricacy of adapting any of the Dune novels lies primarily in their complexity. They are rich with numerous characters, which can lead to a multitude of storylines if brought to life on screen. Among the entangled stories of the various Dune houses, one captivating character is Jessica. Portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, she is Paul Atreides’ mother and the consort of the late Duke Leto Atreides, who perishes in the first film. From the outset, Jessica is depicted as a powerful female figure who leaves an indelible mark on Paul.

As her son embarks on his journey to become Lisan Al-Gaib in “Dune: Part Two”, Jessica unfolds an intriguing storyline within the film’s sequel. To gain acceptance among the Fremen, she seeks alliance with a remarkable group known as the Bene Gesserit. This extraordinary collective possesses supernatural abilities and persuades Jessica to consume the Water of Life, bestowing her with additional ancestral wisdom and strength. By the end, she rises to become the Reverend Mother, a significant figure within the Bene Gesserit order.

One intriguing aspect of the first two “Dune” movies lies in the portrayal of certain female characters, particularly Chani and Jessica, whose arcs are significantly intertwined with Paul. Although Chani plays a significant role in the series, her development is primarily seen through the lens of Paul. The performances of talented actors like Ferguson significantly enhance Jessica’s character in the “Dune” films, allowing her to effectively embody both the enigmatic Bene Gesserit elements and the movie’s emotional high points. When she appears on-screen, audience members can’t help but be captivated.

Jessica Won’t Be In Dune 3 Based On Frank Herbert’s Book

Jessica Is Away For Dune: Messiah

Although Jessica played a significant role in the first two films, it’s uncertain if she will be present in Dune 3, as Villeneuve plans to stick closely to the original book. Interestingly, Jessica was not part of the narrative in Dune: Messiah, the sequel novel by Herbert. Her departure is explained by the fact that Jessica has returned to her homeland of Caladan. Although she remains Paul’s advisor from a distance, she cannot interact with him directly, thereby setting her apart from the main storyline and allowing the book to concentrate more on Paul’s personal journey.

Speaking as a die-hard Dune fan, let me clarify that the tale of Jessica doesn’t conclude with the first book. After her secluded life on Caladan, she reappears in Children of Dune, the third installment of the epic Dune series. In this novel, her role is to oversee Paul’s children, Leto II and Ghanima, and assess if they could be accepted by the Sisterhood. Furthermore, it delves deeper into her complex bond with her daughter Alia, who carries Jessica’s unborn child in the second movie adaptation.

As a passionate cinephile, I eagerly anticipate the release of Dune 3, which promises to continue the epic saga twelve years after the events depicted in Dune: Messiah. Given that Paul’s children would still be quite young during this third installment, it seems unlikely that Jessica’s storyline will feature prominently in the film. However, her significant role in Children of Dune serves as a testament to the fact that her journey is far from complete.

Dune 3 Could Easily Change The Story To Bring Rebecca Ferguson’s Jessica Back

Her Connection With Alia Could Be Explored More

Although Jessica isn’t part of the Dune: Messiah storyline, there could be creative ways for the movie version to incorporate her. The upcoming sequel appears to focus on the events leading up to Alia’s birth, as Paul’s sister who communicates with Jessica from the womb after she consumes the Water of Life. Alia is played by Anya Taylor-Joy in Dune: Part Two, but her scenes are brief. The pregnancy of Jessica, a crucial aspect for both characters’ comprehension, does not result in her giving birth in the second film.

To maintain continuity between the storylines, it’s plausible that Dune 3 should ideally depict Alia’s birth sequence as a bridge. Unlike Dune: Part Two, the first Dune book portrayed more time elapsing, and by the end, Alia was already four years old. Therefore, it could be beneficial for the third movie to incorporate a prologue that encompasses this time period, before moving forward in the narrative. This prologue would logically include Jessica, who gives birth in the first book.

From a movie enthusiast’s point of view: Although Alia’s birth story wasn’t part of Dune: Part Two, it leaves room for her character to enter the narrative later. The cliffhanger ending reveals Paul’s reluctant agreement to marry Princess Irulan, despite his deep affection for Chani. Given that Jessica has openly expressed her support for Paul and Chani’s relationship and witnessed Paul pledging eternal love, she could offer a compelling perspective on the political marriage between Irulan and Paul in Dune 3. This could lead to some fascinating character interactions and plot developments.

Rebecca Ferguson Wants To Be In Dune 3, So The Book Change Really Needs To Happen

And Her Enthusiasm Could Improve Her Performance

As of now, Ferguson hasn’t officially committed to Dune 3, keeping the destiny of her character uncertain. In an interview back in May, Ferguson was unsure if she would appear in Dune 3. However, she did express hope that she might be part of it. She further added, “I’d love to come back! I’ve got chains and tattoos, I’m awesome.” This implies not only her eagerness to reprise the role, but also her confidence in Jessica being a valuable addition to the next movie.

Including Ferguson in Dune 3 seems quite sensible, given her infectious excitement for the role. She’s already demonstrated outstanding performances in the initial two movies, and her dedication to the character could undoubtedly enrich her screen presence even further. It’s very much in Villeneuve’s style to introduce some creative adjustments with his Dune series, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he found a way to incorporate one of the films’ most powerful characters.

2025-05-17 23:30