Zendaya and Anya Taylor-Joy have been seen together in Budapest, confirming what many fans had hoped — Dune: Part Three has officially started filming in Hungary. According to multiple reports, production is now underway at Origo Film Studios, with additional work expected at Hungary’s NFI Studios, continuing the franchise’s connection with the city.
This news comes after photos of the two actresses were shared online, showing them exploring Budapest and even interacting with fans. For many, this confirms that the cast and crew are now deeply involved in the early stages of filming the next chapter in the Dune saga.
NetFilming can confirm that the shoot kicked off in early July 2025, aligning with the franchise’s past production timelines.
Anya Taylor-Joy and Zendaya together in Budapest.
Production for ‘DUNE: PART THREE’ is currently underway. pic.twitter.com/MbQ9KBYzor
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 27, 2025
Reunion of Two Powerful Leads
Zendaya and Anya Taylor-Joy are both leading figures in modern cinema, and their recent appearance together sparked massive buzz across social media. Zendaya will return as Chani, the Fremen warrior introduced in the first two installments. Anya Taylor-Joy, who was only teased briefly in Dune: Part Two, is now confirmed to play Alia Atreides, a key character from Frank Herbert’s original books.
While fans were excited to see the actresses casually enjoying Budapest, their presence strongly signals that principal photography is in full swing. Timothée Chalamet, who plays Paul Atreides, was also reportedly spotted in the city, further confirming that the main cast is assembled and ready to bring the next phase of the story to life.
Dune 3 Production Update and Title Confirmation
Although early speculation suggested the third movie would be titled Dune Messiah — named after Herbert’s second novel — official sources now confirm that the film will be called Dune: Part Three. This naming decision maintains consistency with the previous titles and keeps the franchise accessible for general audiences.
Director Denis Villeneuve is once again at the helm, continuing his ambitious adaptation of the iconic sci-fi series. Speaking in past interviews, Villeneuve has always expressed interest in turning the trilogy into a deep, thoughtful exploration of power, prophecy, and politics — themes that remain central to Herbert’s work.
Hungary Remains the Heart of Dune’s Production
All three parts of the Dune trilogy were filmed in Budapest, which was a key location. The city’s advanced film infrastructure, like Origo and NFI Studios, and tax breaks make it a great place for big productions to film.
In fact, the Hungarian government still backs big international projects. For example, they give foreign film shoots a 30% discount. Filming is already going on in Hungary with returning cast members and new ones. Production is expected to go on until late 2025 and maybe even early 2026.
What to Expect from Dune: Part Three
Based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah, the third film continues the sprawling story of Paul Atreides and the fate of Arrakis. While some speculated the movie might be titled Dune Messiah, reports confirm it will stick with the naming convention of its predecessors, officially called Dune: Part Three. Denis Villeneuve, who is known for his stunning visuals and emotionally gripping stories, is in charge of this movie. It promises to have the same stunning visuals and complicated plot that made the first two movies huge hits around the world.
Filming began in July 2025 at Origo Studios, which is now known for being the home of the Dune franchise. The studio has the best equipment, and Budapest has a mix of old and new places that make it the perfect setting for the desert world of Arrakis. By the beginning of 2026, production should be done and the movie should come out in theatres on December 18, 2026. Fans can expect another great movie from Villeneuve that stays true to Herbert’s vision while adding new layers to the story.
When Will Dune: Part Three Be Released?
The release of Dune: Part Three is scheduled for December 18, 2026, a date that fans should mark in their calendars. This gives the team plenty of time to do post-production, visual effects and marketing work. The creators are taking their time and being very careful because people have high hopes after the first two films did well.
Stay tuned on NetFilming for more updates as we follow the journey to Arrakis!
