Robert Pattinson is set to redefine his screen persona with significant villain roles in two major films scheduled for 2026, marking a turning point for the actor best known for his earlier heroic and complex antihero portrayals. The anticipation surrounding these releases signals a dramatic evolution in Pattinson’s career, certain to add a new dimension to the landscape of Robert Pattinson villain roles 2026.
Pattinson’s Journey from Hero to Complex Figures
Over the years, Pattinson’s trajectory in Hollywood has been one of transformation. He initially captivated audiences as Cedric Diggory in
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
and later gained widespread fame as Edward Cullen in the “Twilight” saga, embodying the archetypal young heartthrob and reluctant hero. However, seeking to shed these mainstream associations, Pattinson dedicated much of the subsequent decade to challenging roles in independent cinema, earning recognition for his willingness to dive into eccentric and often unlikable characters.
Despite this range, Pattinson has rarely been cast as an outright antagonist. While his unsettling performance as a corrupt preacher in “The Devil All the Time” hinted at his capacity for darkness, his blockbuster appearances in “Tenet” and “The Batman”—both high-profile 2020s releases—returned him to the role of protagonist. That reputation, however, is poised for a radical shift.
Blockbuster Villain Roles on the Horizon
The upcoming year will see Pattinson take on contrasting parts in three films, but it is his turns in Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” and Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three” that stand out as notable departures. While “The Drama,” directed by Kristoffer Borgli and featuring Zendaya, explores romance and comedy in an indie-tinged setting, it is the other two epic productions that are projected to leave a lasting imprint on Pattinson’s image.
Both “The Odyssey” and “Dune: Part Three” are among 2026’s most eagerly awaited releases, featuring ensembles that include actors such as Zendaya, Tom Holland, Timothée Chalamet, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Anne Hathaway. The projects pair Pattinson alongside some of the industry’s most prominent contemporary talents, increasing the stakes for his upcoming performances.
Pattinson as Antinous in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
In “The Odyssey,” directed and written by Christopher Nolan and produced by Emma Thomas, Pattinson takes on the role of Antinous, a central antagonist in the retelling of Homer’s ancient epic. Antinous, notorious as the de facto leader of Penelope’s suitors, is portrayed in the source material as the most insolent and menacing threat to Odysseus’ household during the hero’s prolonged absence. He drives the other suitors into schemes, including plotting against Odysseus’ son Telemachus, giving the character a layered villainy likely to be emphasized in Nolan’s adaptation.
The cast also features Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway in pivotal roles, setting the stage for intense confrontations. Antinous’ presence is expected to propel much of the film’s conflict, potentially inviting audiences to view Pattinson in a new, more antagonistic light.
Villainous Potential in “Dune: Part Three”
Denis Villeneuve returns to the director’s chair for “Dune: Part Three,” with a screenplay co-written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, and production led by Mary Parent. While Pattinson’s exact role has not been officially confirmed, his acknowledgment of playing a villain supports speculation that he has been cast as Scytale—a genetically engineered Face Dancer from “Dune Messiah.” In Frank Herbert’s novel, Scytale emerges as a master manipulator and the pivotal architect of a plot against Paul Atreides, who has ruled as Emperor for over a decade. The character’s ability to assume the identities and personalities of others introduces both a narrative and visual complexity that could see Pattinson stretch his range even further.
There is speculation about how director Villeneuve will interpret the Face Dancer’s shifting identities—potentially involving multiple actors or anchoring the transformation with Pattinson’s performance as the character’s primary form. This ambiguity, coupled with Scytale’s central role in the web of conspiracy and succession, points to a substantial and memorable villainous presence. In this chapter, Pattinson will share the screen with Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides, and Zendaya as Chani, positioning him in direct opposition to other central figures of the Dune universe.
A Pivotal Year for Pattinson and Franchise Storytelling
With these high-profile villain roles, Pattinson stands at the precipice of a significant artistic transformation. The convergence of these projects means that mass audiences will experience a starkly different Pattinson—one who embodies antagonism on an epic scale and challenges icons of a younger generation, such as Tom Holland and Timothée Chalamet.
This evolution signals not just a bold new direction for Pattinson, but also reflects a broader trend within blockbuster storytelling, where established stars explore the darker facets of their craft. As anticipation builds for the release of “The Odyssey” on July 17, 2026, and “Dune: Part Three” on December 18, 2026, the film world awaits the impact these performances will have on both Pattinson’s legacy and the depiction of villainy in contemporary cinema.
The upcoming year may well mark the beginning of a new era for Robert Pattinson, as he steps confidently into roles that could redefine audience expectations and expand his influence within the genre of blockbuster filmmaking.
