Robert Pattinson may give Timothée Chalamet a hard time in Legendary’s upcoming Dune: Messiah. Sources say the actor has been circling the role of the chief villain in the film, one that is possibly Scytale from Frank Herbert’s books.

No offer has been made to Pattinson, whose call sheet includes starring in The Batman sequel for Matt Reeves, and appearing in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.

Like Nolan, Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is known for attracting the world’s top talent eager for a chance to work with the director. Dune and Dune: Part Two featured an all-star cast that included names such as Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Jason Momoa and Josh Brolin, among many others. The first Dune, released day-and-date on streaming in 2021 amid the pandemic, earned $410 million globally, while 2024’s Dune 2 brought in $714.6 million globally.

Published in 1969, Herbert’s Messiah picked up 12 years after the events of Dune, with Paul Atreides ruling as Emperor, and married to Princess Irulan, while maintaining a relationship with his concubine, Chani.

Dune: Messiah is expected to film this summer ahead of a Dec. 18, 2026, release date from Warner Bros. Villeneuve has stated that this will be his final Dune film before he turns his attention to other projects.

Legendary had no comment on the casting of Pattinson, who last starred in Mickey 17 for Warner Bros. He is repped by WME, 3 Arts Entertainment and Sloane Offer.