LOS ANGELES, March 17 (Reuters) - Canadian filmmaker

Denis Villeneuve revealed he nearly took a break before

completing "Dune: Part Three," the conclusion to his epic

science-fiction trilogy, but changed his mind after he saw how

audiences embraced the first two films.

"I felt an appetite for the third movie that I was not

expecting," said Villeneuve on Monday in Los Angeles at a

preview event for the movie's trailer, which was released to the

public on Tuesday.

The film, distributed by Warner Bros, arrives in

theaters on December 18. It is based on "Dune Messiah," the

second book in the "Dune" series of novels written by Frank

Herbert, about the battle for control of the fictional planet of

Arrakis, a harsh desert locale that contains a valuable spice

that can extend life.

The new trailer shows the main character, Paul Atreides,

played by Timothée Chalamet, and Chani, played by Zendaya, years

after the first two films as they ponder their future as

parents. The first two films, released in 2021 and 2024, grossed

a combined $1.1 billion worldwide and received numerous

accolades, including several Academy Awards.

Villeneuve describes the third film as a departure from the

first two, as Paul Atreides must also reckon with the

consequences of the power and influence that he holds.

The director recalled how he kept waking up at night with

visions of the final chapter. "I was supposed to do another

movie in the meantime but the image kept coming back. And I

said, 'All right, let's do it.'"

In a surprise, Villeneuve brought out several cast members

at the event, including Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Anya

Taylor-Joy and Javier Bardem.

Zendaya reflected on how she spent her entire 20s working on

the "Dune" films. "They have such a special place in my heart,"

the Euphoria actor said.

Pattinson, known for his appearances in "The Batman" and the

"Twilight" series of films, joins the cast as the antagonist,

Scytale. "I absolutely adored these movies - I saw them multiple

times in theaters," he said.

"He's a very unusual character in the book," the actor

added. "You can't really tell whose side he's on. He's not a

conventional bad guy - he might even be a good guy. Who knows?"

Villeneuve noted the final movie will take fans to new

planets on sets that they have yet to see.