Timothée Chalamet and Anya Taylor-Joy Reveal Haunting Look as Paul and Alia in ‘Dune: Part Three’

Laura Bais
Timothee Chalamet anya taylor joy
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Few characters in Frank Herbert’s saga are as enigmatic as Alia Atreides. As Paul’s younger sister, she is born with the memories of countless generations and plays a crucial role in ‘Dune Messiah’. For fans of the series, her debut on screen has been one of the most eagerly awaited aspects of the trilogy’s conclusion.

Moviegoers got a brief glimpse in ‘Dune: Part Two’, where Anya Taylor-Joy appeared in a vision experienced by Paul, with Alia still unborn and communicating through Lady Jessica. That fleeting moment, though brief, hinted at something much larger on the horizon.

Now, audiences have a clearer view. Empire has unveiled an exclusive image of Timothée Chalamet and Taylor-Joy as Paul and Alia in ‘Dune: Part Three’, featured in its world-exclusive issue. This marks the first substantial look at the siblings together in the final chapter.

The image depicts Paul seated on his throne as Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe. Dressed in earth-toned robes with his hands clasped, he appears burdened by the weight of power. Alia stands beside him, draped in white and gazing outward, set against a beautifully carved teal backdrop.

The contrast is striking. Paul claimed the throne at a great cost at the end of ‘Dune: Part Two’, and this shot suggests he is far from at ease in his position. Alia’s pale, hooded silhouette hovers next to him like a vigilant presence.

The film adapts Herbert’s second novel, which takes place years after Paul ascends to power. In the book, Alia serves as a political advisor to her brother following his coronation. Villeneuve’s adaptation jumps 17 years ahead, explaining how she is now portrayed as a grown woman.

Alia is a challenging character to portray. Taylor-Joy has described the role as intensely demanding, as Alia bears the weight and wisdom of generations within her. Chalamet has remarked that her performance is genuinely unsettling, emphasizing that it’s not merely promotional exaggeration.

Previously released official images have hinted at this intensity, including shots of her wielding a sword. Few characters in the narrative balance innocence and menace in such a peculiar manner.

The director has expressed his desire to work with her. Villeneuve told Entertainment Weekly in 2024 that he would love to adapt ‘Dune Messiah’ just to collaborate with her and Florence Pugh. He also conveyed his happiness that she accepted the challenge of portraying what he described as a ghostly figure and a secret in ‘Part Two’.

That confidence has proven fruitful. Taylor-Joy was seen arriving in Budapest in July 2025 when production commenced, and she was spotted having lunch with Zendaya. Filming took place in Budapest and Abu Dhabi over several months.

Empire’s December issue features two collectible cover variants. The first showcases Chani on the warpath, with Paul looming large, accompanied by Alia and Jason Momoa’s mysterious Hayt. The subscriber cover presents a portrait of a crumbling Paul, haunted by Chani’s blue scarf, illustrated by Greg Ruth.

Inside, Empire interviews Taylor-Joy about the unpredictable addition of Paul’s psychic sister. It also includes discussions with Chalamet regarding Paul’s darkest chapter, Zendaya about Chani’s personal betrayal, and Robert Pattinson about his shape-shifting assassin Scytale. Florence Pugh shares insights into Irulan’s political schemes, while Momoa discusses his return.

‘Dune: Part Three’ is set to hit theaters on December 18, brought to you by Warner Bros. and Legendary. The film continues 17 years after the second installment, with Paul ruling as Emperor and reshaping the galaxy. Villeneuve has described it as a distinctly different film, maintaining the same essence but with a different pacing.

For fans, the new image provides an enticing preview of one of the saga’s most compelling relationships. If the book serves as any indication, the bond between Paul and Alia will be both powerful and unsettling. As the release date approaches, each new look amplifies the anticipation that this finale will be darker and stranger than anything witnessed before.

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