Dune 2's Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) with a sandworm in the background.The sandworms were a smash hit in Dune: Part Two, but unfortunately, their success might be bad news for Dune: Part Three. Dune: Part Two received glowing reviews from both critics and audiences alike, something largely due to the success of the sandworms who added to the incredible action scenes in the movie. Since Dune: Part Two ended with Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) as emperor, the question remains whether the plans for Dune: Part Three can be successful without the popularity that the sandworms brought to the franchise.

Sandworms are gigantic worm-like creatures that live underneath the desert landscape of Arrakis. The formidable creatures not only make Arrakis nearly impossible to conquer but are also an important part of the economy and culture of the native Fremen. Besides being considered gods, sandworms produce spice, a precious resource that is used for space travel and prolonging human life. Despite the sandworms now being synonymous with the Dune franchise, there is a possibility that they will not be in the third installment of Dune.

Dune 2’s Sandworms Probably Won’t Be In Part 3

Dune: Part Three will take place on Arakeen

Paul Atreides walking with the sun in the background on planet Arrakis in Dune Part Two
Harkonnen sooldiers running away from sandworms in Dune Part 2 Sandworm attacking Harkonnen soldiers in Dune 2 Paul Atreides getting ready to ride a sandworm in Dune Part Two

The sandworms will probably not be a part of Dune: Part Three. Dune and Dune: Part Two mostly takes place on Arrakis, the only planet with a landscape and ecosystem that allows the sandworms to survive. Denis Villeneuve adapted the Dune franchise from Frank Herbert’s Dune books, which serve as the source material for the live-action movies. Dune: Part Three will be based on the second book in the series, Dune Messiah. In Herbert’s books, the sandworms are not featured after Dune, so the possibility of them being in Dune: Part Three is slim.

Dune Movie
Planet It Takes Place On

Dune
Caladan, Geidi Prime, and Arrakis

Dune: Part Two
Arrakis and Geidi Prime

Dune: Part Three
Arrakeen

The sandworms played an integral role in helping Paul Atreides win the war against the Harkonnens, which signified a pivotal moment in his journey. Seeing as Paul usurped the throne and became the new emperor with the help of the sandworms, the creatures have seemingly served their purpose. Now that Paul has his army of loyal Fremens, Dune: Part Three is likely to take place on Arrakeen with the holy war raging off-world.

How Dune 3 Can Still Succeed Without The Sandworms

Dune: Part Three should show other worlds

Chani, played by Zendaya, stares angrily at Paul Atreides in Dune: Part Two. She is surrounded by other Fremen fighters, and she has a look of betrayal.

Dune: Part Two has undoubtedly been successful, but Dune 3 will be even more important. One of the best things about the Dune franchise is the incredible world the story takes place in. However, the first two movies did not show the full scope of any other planets from the novels. Dune 3 presents an opportunity for the other worlds and houses to be extensively shown. Since Paul has become the new emperor, showing the political dynamics and the other houses’ dissatisfaction with the new power will be integral in helping Dune 3 succeed.

There are other ways Dune: Part Three can succeed without the might of the sandworms. Chani leaving at the end of Dune: Part Two will have important implications for Dune 3, mostly because her character arc in the movie is different from the books. It will be interesting for Dune 3 to show where Chani went and what effect her absence will have on Paul. The sandworms might have been integral to the success of Dune 2, but in the long run, other stories and characters must help Dune 3 succeed.