AceShowbiz - Denis Villeneuve has announced that the upcoming third "Dune" installment will mark his final film in the franchise, while also clarifying that the first two films, based on Frank Herbert's first "Dune" novel, should be considered a complete adaptation of the book.

"It's important to understand that I see it as a diptych, a pair of movies adapting the first book," Villeneuve explained in an interview with Vanity Fair. "That's done and finished."

He further emphasized that if he returns for a third film, based on "Dune Messiah", it will not be part of a traditional trilogy structure. "It's not like a trilogy," he said. "If I go back, it's to do something that feels different and has its own identity."

"Dune Messiah" is set 12 years after the first book, presenting the challenge of aging up the young cast, including Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya Coleman. Villeneuve acknowledged the issue but remained confident in his ability to handle it.

Despite his departure, Villeneuve has no intention of ending the franchise. "I would love to do something else," he said. "I think it would be a good idea to ensure that in Messiah, there are seeds for someone else to continue the project if they wish."

He recognizes the challenges of adapting the later "Dune" novels, which he describes as "more difficult and esoteric," but he remains open to the possibility of others taking on the task. "I'm not closing the door," he stated. "I will not do it myself, but it could happen with someone else."

Zendaya has previously expressed her enthusiasm for a third film under Villeneuve's direction, acknowledging his exceptional care for the franchise. However, it remains uncertain whether the cast would be willing to continue without him.