Anya Taylor-Joy Teases 'Very Intense' Role as Alia in 'Dune: Part Three'

The actress describes her character's 'blessing curse' and devotion to her brother Paul.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Anya Taylor-Joy is set to play the role of Alia Atreides in the upcoming 'Dune: Part Three'. In a recent Q&A, the actress provided a fascinating description of her character, explaining that Alia carries the 'weight and wisdom of generations' and has a 'very intense blessing curse situation'. Taylor-Joy also noted that Alia's love and devotion to her brother Paul, played by Timothée Chalamet, is a key part of her character. However, the article's author still has one big question about how the film will address the 17-year time jump and Alia's age compared to the actress's current appearance.

Why it matters

Alia Atreides is a complex and intriguing character in the 'Dune' universe, and fans have been eager to learn more about her role in the upcoming third installment of the film adaptation. Taylor-Joy's comments provide insight into the depth and intensity of the character, building anticipation for how she will be portrayed on screen.

The details

In the 'Dune' books, Alia is a unique character born with the memories and abilities of past Reverend Mothers due to her mother Jessica's ritual while pregnant. This has led to Alia being shunned by many as a 'freak and an abomination', but she has a close bond with her brother Paul. Taylor-Joy describes Alia as carrying the 'weight and wisdom of generations' and having a 'very intense blessing curse situation', with her love and devotion to Paul being a central part of her character.

  • Dune: Part Three takes place 17 years after the end of Dune: Part Two.

The players

Anya Taylor-Joy

The actress set to play the role of Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three.

Timothée Chalamet

The actor playing the role of Paul Atreides, Alia's brother, in the Dune film series.

Denis Villeneuve

The writer and director of the Dune film adaptations.

Frank Herbert

The author of the original Dune book series, which the films are based on.

Jessica

Alia's mother, played by Rebecca Ferguson in the Dune films.

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What they’re saying

“Alia has a very intense blessing curse situation. She carries the weight and the wisdom of generations and generations in her head. She's never in a singular conversation. It's kind of all, everything everywhere all at once. And the one thing that she really feels most strongly about is her love and devotion to her brother, because that is the only person who's ever made her feel like she makes sense. He's understood her from before she was even born, and she will do anything for him to various degrees of insanity.”

— Anya Taylor-Joy, Actress

What’s next

The article's author still has one big question about how Dune: Part Three will address the 17-year time jump and Alia's age compared to Anya Taylor-Joy's current appearance, as the actress may not be able to convincingly portray a 17-year-old character.

The takeaway

Anya Taylor-Joy's description of her 'very intense' role as Alia in Dune: Part Three has generated significant excitement and anticipation among fans, who are eager to see how this complex and powerful character will be brought to life on the big screen. The film's handling of the time jump and Alia's age will be an important factor in delivering a faithful and compelling adaptation of the character.