Nicole Kidman Wanted to Join Dune But Denis Villeneuve Never Called Her

Nicole Kidman has built a career filled with major roles across almost every kind of film, but there is one franchise she apparently would have loved to be part of. Despite being a huge fan of Frank Herbert's books and Denis Villeneuve's Dune films, the Oscar-winning actress says she was never approached for the reboot.

Kidman's comments came during a conversation with Sandra Bullock on Off the Cuff, where the subject of Dune led to an unexpectedly funny exchange. While Kidman made it clear that she is deeply fascinated by the franchise, she also admitted that her interest in joining it has not exactly been rewarded with a phone call.

And the person she says she has been waiting to hear from is Dune director Denis Villeneuve.

Nicole Kidman Is Obsessed With Dune

Kidman did not hide just how much she loves the Dune universe. Speaking about the possibility of appearing in a future installment, she described herself as a "Dunie" and said she is "obsessed" with both Frank Herbert's book series and Villeneuve's film adaptations.

That makes her absence from the rebooted film series particularly interesting.

When the conversation turned to why she had not been part of the franchise, Kidman gave a short but hilarious explanation.

"Because Denis never asks me to be in anything. It's devastating," she said.

The remark immediately turned what could have been a straightforward discussion about casting into a playful moment between two Hollywood stars.

Sandra Bullock Had One Message For Denis Villeneuve

Bullock quickly joined in on the joke.

During the conversation, she mimed the words "Call her" toward the camera, clearly directing the message at Villeneuve. The moment suggested that, at least from Bullock's perspective, the solution to Kidman's Dune disappointment could be remarkably simple.

Just pick up the phone.

Kidman, however, later softened her comments and explained that there is also something enjoyable about experiencing the Dune films as a viewer rather than being involved in their production.

That distinction is important because her comments were clearly delivered with humor. While she would love to be part of the franchise, she also appreciates being able to sit back and enjoy the work as an audience member.

Bullock then added another joke, telling Kidman, "You wouldn't like sand."

The exchange gave the discussion a lighthearted tone while highlighting just how enthusiastic Kidman is about the Dune franchise.

Why Nicole Kidman Wanted To Be Part Of Dune

For Kidman, the appeal appears to go beyond simply joining another major Hollywood franchise.

Her comments show that she is already a fan of the source material and Villeneuve's cinematic interpretation of it. She openly described herself as a "Dunie" and called herself "obsessed" with the books and films.

That makes her comments about never receiving a call from Villeneuve especially amusing.

Kidman has the unusual position of being both a major Hollywood star and an enthusiastic fan of the franchise. Rather than publicly demanding a role, she spoke about her interest with humor, even while acknowledging that she would love the opportunity.

For Dune fans, the idea of Nicole Kidman joining the franchise is therefore an intriguing what-if, especially because the actress herself has now openly discussed her interest.

Dune Part 3 Is Expected To Arrive In December 2026

The conversation comes as attention continues to build around Dune: Part 3.

The third movie is expected to arrive on December 18, 2026, the same day as Avengers: Doomsday. The film is set to bring the trilogy that began with Dune in 2021 and continued with Dune: Part Two in 2024 to its conclusion.

That makes the timing of Kidman's comments particularly interesting for fans following the future of the franchise.

While Kidman expressed her desire to be involved in a Dune sequel, the information provided does not indicate that she has been cast in Dune: Part 3. Her comments instead center on her enthusiasm for the series and her disappointment that Villeneuve has never asked her to participate.

For now, she remains a fan watching the saga unfold.

Dune: Prophecy Is Also Returning

The Dune universe is also continuing beyond the films.

The television series Dune: Prophecy has been renewed for a second season, with the show set to return to HBO in the coming months.

The continuation of the television series means fans of Herbert's universe have another story to look forward to alongside the upcoming third Dune movie.

For Kidman, however, the biggest unanswered question remains whether Villeneuve might eventually make that long-awaited call.

Why This Matters

Nicole Kidman's comments are interesting because they reveal just how much enthusiasm she has for a franchise in which she has never appeared.

Rather than simply promoting a new project, Kidman spoke openly about being a fan of Dune and joked about the fact that the director has never contacted her. Sandra Bullock's playful "Call her" reaction only made the moment more memorable.

It also creates a fun question for Dune fans: if Villeneuve ever did make that call, what kind of role could Nicole Kidman bring to the franchise?

For now, that remains an unanswered possibility.

Nicole Kidman Is Still Waiting For The Call

Nicole Kidman may have an impressive film career, but Dune remains one franchise where she has been on the outside looking in.

She has made her feelings clear. She loves the books, she is obsessed with Villeneuve's movies, and she would happily consider joining a Dune sequel.

Yet according to Kidman, there has been one problem: Denis Villeneuve never called.

With Dune: Part 3 expected on December 18, 2026, fans will have plenty of reasons to keep watching the future of the franchise. And somewhere in the background, there is now an amusing Hollywood question waiting for an answer.

Will Denis Villeneuve finally make the call?