
New Image Confirms Robert Pattinson Will Play Villain Scytale in Dune: Part Three
It’s still unconfirmed who Robert Pattinson will portray in Dune: Part Three, but recently released photos from the film strongly suggest he’s taking on the role of Scytale, the villain from Dune Messiah.
As we’ve previously discussed, Scytale is a skilled manipulator working with dangerous enemies of Paul Atreides. He’s particularly threatening because he’s a Tleilaxu Face Dancer – a shape-shifter recently introduced in HBO’s Dune: Prophecy. Scytale has a much larger role in Dune: Messiah than his counterpart in the prequel series, and he’s a more clever adversary than the ruthless Harkonnens Paul faced in the first two Dune films.
A new image from Dune: Part Three shows Robert Pattinson, and his facial expression appears to be shifting and changing – almost like it’s dancing! This has led fans to believe he’s playing the character Scytale, known as a “Face Dancer” who can alter their appearance. Pattinson’s look in the image – both clever and thoughtful – seems perfect for the villainous role.
More About Scytale and the Tleilaxu
Scytale belongs to the Tleilaxu, a new group of enemies introduced in Dune: Messiah. They’re a secretive human race known for their skill in bioengineering, but most of the galaxy distrusts and despises them because of their questionable and immoral methods.
Among their disturbing creations are Face Dancers, shapeshifters originally designed for entertainment. However, their incredible ability to perfectly copy someone’s appearance, voice, and personality quickly made them ideal for spying and killing. It seems Robert Pattinson’s character, Scytale, in the upcoming Dune: Part Three, is going to be a significant threat.
Pattinson Was Just Vibing on Dune: Part Three Set

Despite playing the manipulative Scytale, Robert Pattinson himself was remarkably laid-back on the set of Dune. He explained that the intense desert heat made it impossible to think critically, and he happily followed director Denis Villeneuve’s lead. Pattinson joked that he felt like he had no functioning brain cells and simply responded with, ‘Whatever you want!’ Fans are loving this story, and it seems like Pattinson’s easygoing attitude will ultimately benefit his performance as the scheming Scytale.
Dune: Part Three will release in theaters on December 18, 2026.
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2026-03-17 03:34