New Look at Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan in ‘Dune: Part Three’ Teases Court Intrigue

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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Few franchises have generated anticipation as meticulously as Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune‘ trilogy. Following two films that transformed Frank Herbert’s intricate sci-fi epic into a worldwide box office sensation, the director is set to conclude the saga with ‘Dune: Part Three’, arriving in theaters on December 18.

This final chapter adapts ‘Dune Messiah’ and takes place 17 years after the events of the second film, featuring Paul Atreides as a ruthless emperor grappling with the fallout of his ascent. Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya reprise their roles alongside Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson, and Javier Bardem, with Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan at the center of the unfolding political drama.

A new image has emerged, courtesy of Empire, showcasing Pugh as Irulan. In this exclusive look, she dons a dark hooded outfit alongside a veiled figure, set against a pale, columned hall that suggests the subtle scheming inherent in the imperial court.

Irulan’s significance has notably increased. At the conclusion of the previous film, Paul married her to secure political leverage, while Chani departed alone into the desert, establishing the emotional tension for the new installment. Empire’s December issue promises an interview with Pugh discussing Empress Irulan’s political strategies, indicating that her character will be much more active this time around.

The new image aligns with this narrative. Instead of the ceremonial attire of a princess, Irulan appears composed and guarded, enveloped in dark layers that reflect the film’s more intense, confined atmosphere.

This isn’t the first instance where Pugh’s portrayal of the character has sparked discussion. Previous posters depicted Irulan with her face covered in clay, a striking choice that prompted fans to speculate online, and Pugh herself shared a story inviting viewers to discover the reason behind Irulan’s clay mask.

The most popular fan theory connects this look to Pattinson’s shape-shifting assassin Scytale, suggesting the mask might protect her from having her appearance replicated. While this remains speculative, it adds an intriguing layer to the new image, as the hooded look enhances the notion that identity is a weapon in this narrative.

Villeneuve has characterized the third film as sharing the same essence as its predecessors but with a distinctly different pace, as the world has undergone a transformation. He has also mentioned that it is more action-oriented and tense than his earlier films, focusing on Paul navigating the complexities of ruling with absolute power.

This shift is evident in the marketing. The trailer released in July depicted Paul and Chani in conflict, with him betraying her in his pursuit of power, while the film’s new visuals emphasize betrayal and conspiracy over grand desert spectacles.

Villeneuve collaborated with Brian K. Vaughan on the screenplay, with filming taking place from July to November 2025 in locations such as Budapest and Abu Dhabi. The film is expected to run approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with Hans Zimmer returning to compose the score and Linus Sandgren serving as cinematographer.

Villeneuve has expressed that he always envisioned this story as a trilogy, making this installment a planned conclusion rather than the beginning of an extended franchise. This sense of finality has added significance to every new image, trailer, and interview.

With less than two months until release, the promotional campaign is ramping up. Empire has unveiled its collectible covers, new character images are circulating, and the studio has released fresh footage that prominently features Zendaya’s Chani.

For fans, the new image of Irulan is yet another piece of a puzzle that will only be completed in theaters. Regardless of her role in the final conflict, it’s evident that the subtle moments in the throne room will hold as much weight as the battles in the sand.

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