Warner Bros. premiered the first trailer for Dune: Part Three during a global event simulcast at IMAX theaters, which included a live Q&A with director Denis Villeneuve and star Timothée Chalamet. Attendees were also treated to an extended sequence from the upcoming film, a segment previously shown at CinemaCon but now presented in its full IMAX 70mm glory.
Villeneuve described the screened footage as depicting the consequences of Paul Atreides' decisions in Dune: Part Two. The sequence showcases a harrowing World War II-esque battle, focusing on a single drop ship within a large fleet descending through a massive storm. Lightning strikes wreak havoc, destroying one of the ships. Inside the featured drop ship, soldiers, including a familiar face in Stilgar (Javier Bardem), express nervousness and awe as they prepare to land on a planet where water falls from the sky.
Upon arrival amidst heavy rain, the soldiers are immediately attacked by hidden surface weaponry that deploys from the ground, evolving into an entire tower bristling with guns. Attempts by Stilgar's men to breach the tower's shields prove futile as their shots deflect, leading to further devastating enemy fire. The intense sequence culminates with soldiers scrambling for cover and one succumbing to panic.
Following the extended battle scene, a montage, which director Villeneuve indicated is a condensed version of the new trailer with some alternate moments, played for the audience.
This battle sequence, or at least a glimpse of it, will be shown exclusively before showings of The Odyssey in IMAX, starting next week. Villeneuve and Chalamet both discussed Dune: Part Three as an intended conclusion to the story. Villeneuve explained his decision to accelerate his original plan for the third film, driven by vivid imagery and a strong desire to conclude the narrative. Chalamet shared that filming the final scenes evoked emotional feelings of a true journey nearing its end.
Dune: Part Three is scheduled for release on December 18.