Dune: Part Three runtime confirms it as the shortest of the trilogy

Dune: Part Three has had its runtime officially confirmed ahead of December, when fans will be treated to an emotional conclusion to Paul Atreides' story.

With Timothée Chalamet reprising the role of Paul, who now is a despotic emperor, the Arrakis-set space opera directed by Denis Villeneuve returns for one last chapter – and it seems that Part Three will be the shortest instalment in the film series.

Releasing on 18 December, with record-breaking IMAX previews held from 15 December, the threequel closes in at 150 minutes. The upcoming movie is only a few minutes behind 2021's Dune: Part One, which has a runtime of 155 minutes, but is significantly shorter than Part Two, the longest in the series with its 166 minutes.

Related: Anya Taylor-Joy hailed as "unbelievable" in Dune 3: "She's actually terrifying"

Anticipated by a new, extended trailer, Part Three takes place almost two decades after the events of Part Two, with Paul's evil ascent to power now completed.

The trailer sees the now-feared Emperor being haunted by visions of his past as he's informed that he's the target of an assassination. Torturing his oppressed wife Irulan (Florence Pugh) for answers, Paul discovers that the hit is orchestrated by his ex-lover Chani, played by Zendaya, together with new villain Scytale (Robert Pattinson).

Speaking about his involvement in the trilogy, Dune newcomer Pattinson confirmed he's already watched Part Three and called it "unbelievable".

Related: UK film release dates

"What Denis has done with that trilogy, I think is just extraordinary. When they see this last - the conclusion of it, people are gonna be watching that trilogy for years and years and years," the star told BAFTA. "It's unbelievable. Can't believe I got a part in it."

The synopsis teases a reckoning for Chalamet's protagonist, bound to face "the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge, and betrayal lurks in every shadow".

"Haunted by visions of Imperial collapse and the reappearance of Chani, Paul is drawn into a sweeping conspiracy, with his long-lost love at the heart of its unfolding mystery," it continues. "When enemies close in, Paul must confront the true cost of power and the fate of those he loves the most."

Dune: Part Three is released in cinemas on 18 December. Preview screenings begin at BFI IMAX in IMAX 70mm from 15 December.

Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page celebration of Dolly Parton's life, is here. Buy Dolly in newsagents or online.

Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).