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 Bardem and Anya Taylor-Joy joined director Denis Villeneuve for 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 the morning after a disappointing Oscar night.
Pattinson, who joins the cast for the first time as the character Scytale, 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."
Zendaya was asked if her character Chani, a Fremen and lover of Paul Atriedes, would have a child in third film. The actress quickly deferred that question to Villeneuve.
"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 rival Princess Irulan in 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 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.