Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is returning to direct the part two of his ‘Dune’ series as Legendary and Warner Bros announced the sequel that will be released theatrically on October 20, 2023.

According to PTI, lead star Timothee Chalamet will also reprise his role of Paul Atreides for the follow-up based on author Frank Herbert in his 1965 classic novel ‘Dune’.

Set in the distant future, ‘Dune’ follows Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of the desert planet Arrakis, which is the only known location of the galaxy’s most vital and mind-altering mineral called ‘Spice’.

After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature, as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s reign.

Villeneuve, who has previously said he wanted to tell the story of ‘Dune’ in two parts due to the complexity of the source material, expressed his gratitude to the makers for making his dream come true.

“I just received news from Legendary that we are officially moving forward with Dune: Part Two. It was a dream of mine to adapt Frank Herbert’s Dune and I have the fans, the cast, and crew, Legendary and Warner Bros to thank for supporting this dream. This is only the beginning,” the director said in a statement.

Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ arrived in theatres and on WarnerMedia’s streamer HBO Max simultaneously on October 22, 2021. The film earned a commendable USD 40.1 million in its domestic debut, the biggest of Villeneuve’s career as well as the biggest opening of the year for Warner Bros. It was Legendary’s call to move forward with a sequel or not.