2026 has been a whirlwind for Anya Taylor-Joy, and as the year winds down, she's showing no signs of slowing. After headlining the year's biggest blockbuster and a hit streaming series, the actress is now gearing up for what could be her most anticipated role yet: Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three.
Taylor-Joy's year kicked off with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which became the first film of 2026 to cross the $1 billion mark globally. She then pivoted to television, starring opposite Timothy Olyphant in the crime thriller Lucky, a show that has yet to be renewed for a second season. Her return to the small screen was a big deal, especially given her previous success on Apple TV+ with The Gorge, alongside Miles Teller.
Most recently, she's been promoting Sacrifice, a Netflix film co-starring Chris Evans, which is now streaming worldwide. But the crown jewel of her year is still to come. On December 18, Taylor-Joy returns to the desert planet of Arrakis in Dune: Part Three, sharing the screen with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. The film opens the same day as Avengers: Doomsday, setting up a massive box office showdown.
With the release just two months away, a new image from the film has surfaced, offering a tantalizing glimpse of Taylor-Joy's Alia Atreides. In the shot, she's seated beside her brother Paul on the Emperor's throne, a visual that strongly suggests her character will be central to the trilogy's conclusion. The image, featured in Empire Magazine, underscores Alia's evolution from the mysterious figure we met in Dune: Part Two to a key player in the power dynamics of the universe.
Who Else Stars in 'Dune: Part Three'?
Taylor-Joy isn't the only familiar face returning to Arrakis. Florence Pugh reprises her role as Princess Irulan, Rebecca Ferguson is back as Lady Jessica, and Javier Bardem returns as Stilgar. Notably, Jason Momoa, who was absent from Dune: Part Two, makes a comeback as Hayt, a clone of Duncan Idaho. The cast also welcomes Robert Pattinson as the villainous Scytale, adding another high-profile name to an already stellar ensemble. Pattinson and Zendaya previously worked together this year on The Drama and The Odyssey.
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of Dune, check out our list of Westerns that hit the same nerve as Taylor Sheridan's best work—a different kind of frontier, but with similar themes of survival and power.
As the release date approaches, expect more reveals and trailers. Dune: Part Three is shaping up to be one of the most epic conclusions in recent sci-fi history, and with Taylor-Joy at the forefront, it's sure to be a cinematic event. Stay tuned for more updates, and mark your calendars for December 18.
