Calm, whispered voices, a distinctive tone. A giant red moon looms over the desert: it is the calm before the final battle, the epic conclusion to the space saga written and directed by master filmmaker Denis Villeneuve. A trilogy inspired by Frank Herbert’s 1969 novel Dune Messiah. The teaser trailer for Dune 3 has been out for just under 48 hours across social media and YouTube, garnering over 2 million views and thousands of comments from an audience enthralled by the nearly 2.5 minutes of footage. Ritual, charm, pure energy.

The premise is an electrifying atmosphere brought to life by composer Hans Zimmer‘s soundtrack.

Zimmer and the musical shift in Dune 3 featuring Timothée Chalamet

Compared to the first two acts of Dune, composer Hans Zimmer’s music not only accompanies the director’s narrative, intertwining with the timing and events, but elevates it to a higher art form. Besides the ability to blend different sounds and musical styles, the turning point was the choruses. Alongside the female voices, the adrenaline-fueled crescendo features the protagonist’s own voice.

On his Instagram profile, Zimmer revealed how he convinced Timothée Chalamet to return to singing after his experience in A Complete Unknown, the biopic paying tribute to the life of Minnesota-born singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. “I’m proud to share with you our new Fremen chant featured in DUNE: PART THREE, created in collaboration with Denis and performed by my dear friend Timothée Chalamet,” writes Zimmer.

Among the comments accompanying Zimmer’s announcement, many followers expressed their amazement at Chalamet’s vocal transformation, not just in his performance.

Dune 3: What Does a “Space Haka” Mean?

From the very first listen, the impression is striking. An unsettling sound, a fierce chant meant to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy. The battle cry echoes. There is no doubt that this is a war chant we have come to know well: the Haka the All Blacks perform around the world.

The sound is the symbol of the Maori, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Zimmer transported the traditional chant that precedes their matches to a fictional world millions of light-years away, into space, among expanses of sand and giant worms. The link between the two worlds is fascinating: both originate from indigenous warriors, ready to do anything to defend their families and their identity.

Zimmer’s vision for heightening the battles combined the intimidating power of the New Zealand Haka with the eerie tone of Mongolian throat singing. This technique manipulates the vocal cords to produce deep, resonant sounds. In Dune 3, it is associated with the Sardaukar‘s darkness.

“I’m not afraid to die. But I don’t have to die not yet,” says Paul Atreides, the protagonist played by Timothée Chalamet, in the iconic line that closes the trailer. During interviews promoting Dune 3, director Denis Villeneuve has made it clear that this film will be different from the other two: it will feature more action and thriller.

Dune 3: New Cast and Characters

The most anticipated new addition to the cast is Robert Pattinson as a ruthless and possibly immortal Mech Lifeform. In the film, he is called Scytale: an alien assassin capable of astonishing transformations and able to take on the appearance of others without anyone noticing. He represents yet another threat and likely the deadliest one that the protagonist, Paul Atreides, will have to face.

Zendaya returns as Chani, and Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica. Jason Momoa also returns, as seen in the trailer, playing Hayt. Among the new faces in the cast, Isaach De Bankolé will play Farok. Ida Brooke plays Ghanima Atreides, and Nakoa-Wolf Momoa plays Leto, the children of Chalamet and Zendaya, respectively. In Italy, Dune 3 will be released in theaters on December 18. Stay tuned.