Denis Villeneuve and Timothée Chalamet Reflect on Filming 'Dune: Part Three' in Abu Dhabi

Jul 9, 2026

58 min

Jul 9, 2026 10:30

'Every morning I had these chills': Denis Villeneuve on filming in Abu Dhabi

## Filming in the Liwa Desert

Director Denis Villeneuve and actor Timothée Chalamet recently shared their experiences filming "Dune: Part Three" in Abu Dhabi's Liwa Desert. Villeneuve described the mornings in the desert as particularly memorable, highlighting the energy and excitement of the crew as the sun rose. Chalamet echoed these sentiments, noting the unique stillness of the desert mornings.

## A Familiar Location

This marks the third time the "Dune" series has filmed in the Liwa Desert, following the previous installments in 2021 and 2024. The Abu Dhabi Film Commission reported that over 600 local crew members were involved in the latest 31-day shoot. The emirate has become a popular filming destination, attracting over 150 major international productions due to its diverse locations and financial incentives.

## Upcoming Release

The latest trailer for "Dune: Part Three" was unveiled during a global fan event, offering a glimpse into the film's storyline. The movie, based on Frank Herbert's "Dune Messiah," continues the saga nearly two decades after Paul Atreides, played by Chalamet, becomes emperor. New cast members include Robert Pattinson and Anya Taylor-Joy. The film is set to release internationally in December.

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