LOS ANGELES —"Dune: Part Three"stars showed up in force to promote the first teaser trailer of the hugely anticipated third and final film in the franchise, coming to theaters in December.
Zendaya,Robert Pattinson,Javier BardemandAnya Taylor-Joyjoined directorDenis Villeneuvefor a promotional event at Los Angeles' AMC Century City IMAX theater to kick off the teaser trailer March 16. The trailer dropped on YouTube March 17.
Timothée Chalamet, who plays Paul Atreides in the series based on Frank Herbert's "Dune" sci-fi novels, sent a video message of support themorning after a disappointing Oscar night.
Timothée ChalametStuns in epic first look at 'Dune: Part Three'
"Dune: Part Three" takes place 17 years after "Part 2." The characters have changed. Here's what they look like for the film out Dec. 18. Zendaya as Chani. in "Dune: Part Three."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides in "Dune: Part Three."" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See 'Dune' characters 17 years later in 'Part Three' finale
"Dune: Part Three" takes place 17 years after "Part 2." The characters have changed. Here's what they look like for the film out Dec. 18. Zendaya as Chani. in "Dune: Part Three."
Pattinson, who joins the cast as the characterScytale, said he loves the wild look of the complex character.
"He's an extremely fun character to play," said Pattinson. "And the look for it is extraordinary."
Pattinson said he was filming"The Drama" with Zendaya,and lobbied his costar to get on board Villeneuve's franchise with the third film based on Herbert's 1969 novel, "Dune Messiah."
"I've absolutely adored these movies, saw them multiple times in theaters," said Pattinson, adding of fan-favorite Scytale. "He's an unusual character in the book. You can't say he's a conventional bad guy. He might even be a good guy. Who knows? I will also find out."
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Zendaya was asked if her characterChani, a Fremen and lover of Paul Atriedes, would have a child in third film. The actress quickly deferred that question toVilleneuve.
"Over to you, director," Zendaya said with a laugh. The child question was not answered, but the teaser does feature a flashback scene of Paul and Chani discussing a name for a child.
Florence Pugh, who plays Chani's rivalPrincess Irulanin the series, appeared onscreen to ask Zendaya cheekily, "At the end of the last movie, you ran away, I got Paul (Atreides). Where are we now? Are you still mad at me? Do you kind of like me?"
Zendaya responded by saying she regretted that the duo only had one scene together in "Dune: Part 2."
"I hope we get more, but I don't want to tease anything," said Zendaya. "You guys will have to see for yourself."
Anya Taylor-Joy says Alia shows 'various degrees of insanity'
Taylor-Joy said her character, Alia Atreides, has a supernaturally powerful devotion to her older brother Paul, who been communicating with her since pre-birth.
"He has understood her since before she was born, and she will do anything for him to various degrees of insanity," said Taylor-Joy. "The one thing she feels most strongly about is her love and devotion to her brother."
When does 'Dune: Part Three' come out to theaters?
Villeneuve rushed from the Los Angeles teaser event to continuing editing the final film in the series. "Dune: Part Three" will be released in theaters Dec. 18. It's gonna be big.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet, Robert Pattinson react to 'Dune 3' trailer
