'Dune: Part Three' Will Look Different Without Previous Cinematographer

Denis Villeneuve's revered sci-fi franchise, Dune, starring Timothée Chalamet as the prophetic Paul Atreides, comes to its conclusion this December. Dune: Part Three will adapt Frank Herbert's novel, Dune Messiah, marking the end of Villeneuve's trilogy.

The first two films featured a collection of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård and Oscar Isaac. Many will return alongside newcomers Robert Pattinson and Anya Taylor-Joy (who made a cameo in Part Two).

Though writer/director Villeneuve returns with his star-studded cast, the final film in the trilogy could look very different, as it was made without one of the franchise's key components.

Greig Fraser, the cinematographer who shot Dune: Part Oneand Dune: Part Two, did not return for Part Three. The film series has been beloved for many reasons, but certainly one of them is the breathtaking cinematography. A visual consistency of beauty and scope makes the science fiction films among the best-looking ever in the genre.

Fraser is one of the most respected and sought-after cinematographers in the industry. The 50-year-old has already done so much unforgettable work, including the Dune franchise, The Batman (2022), Project Hail Mary and The Mandalorian.

cinematography by greig fraser pic.twitter.com/DJQpByl5Ca

— mo (@mofromyt) March 23, 2026

Fraser chose not to return for Dune: Part Three to work on Sam Mendes' quadrilogy of biographical films based on The Beatles.

Fans were extremely disappointed to hear that the cinematographer would not be a part of the final installment, as he was such a crucial part of what made the first two films special.

Though it is not ideal to change the formula now, Dune: Part Three is in good hands. The film was shot by the extremely talented Linus Sandgren.

Sandgren is responsible for the visuals of La La Land, First Man and Babylon. Also included in his prestigious résumé is Emerald Fennell's Saltburn and Wuthering Heights, which both have been praised for their rich and regal look.

The first trailer for Dune: Part Three was released in March, and social media was ecstatic about the first look at Sandgren's work on this epic conclusion.

I was worried about Greig Fraser leaving, but Linus Sandgren's cinematography is absolutely exceptional. https://t.co/kvfqlBASWrpic.twitter.com/4u0JkASY1M

— Sci-Fi Archives (@SciFiArchives) March 17, 2026

Denis Villeneuve's final Dune film, with cinematography by Linus Sandgren, debuts in theaters on Dec. 18, 2026.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM.