The highly anticipated sequel, Dune: Part Two, could potentially beat the box office gross of the first movie.
A continuation of the 2021 film Dune, the sequel is scheduled to hit theaters later this year and is expected to outperform its predecessor at the box office. The move to split Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel into two separate movies has certainly generated significant anticipation and the box office run appears promising, primarily due to the potential availability of IMAX screens.
IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond revealed that Dune: Part Two is unlikely to be delayed by the SAG-AFTRA strike, and Warner Bros. intends to keep the release date. The absence of competition for IMAX screens for six weeks bodes well for the film’s performance. Warner Bros. stated, “Dune: Part Two picks up right where its predecessor left off, delivering a captivating sci-fi epic filled with stunning cinematography and a star-studded cast.” IMAX screens will host the film for an extended run of up to six weeks, providing audiences with an immersive experience.
Dune: Part Two May Outperform Its Predecessor
Following the success of the first installment, Dune: Part Two is predicted to perform even better due to its longer IMAX run and the absence of pandemic-related setbacks. The lack of day-and-date release on streaming platforms and a relatively clear release window further add to its box office potential. The anticipation from fans, combined with the lack of major competition, secure the sequel for considerable box office success.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve and produced by Warner Bros., the first part, Dune, follows the story of a young man named Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, on a desert planet as he contends for control of a valuable resource known as “spice.” The cast also includes Josh Brolin, Jason Momoa, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson. It is the second film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s best-selling novel after David Lynch’s 1984 film, Dune.
The movie overcame the challenges of a pandemic release and earned $108 million in the North American market and $402 million worldwide. It also won a leading six awards at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony. The decision to split the book into two movies proved beneficial, setting the stage for Dune: Part Two‘s highly anticipated continuation. With positive expectations, the film’s creators face the challenge of navigating the actors’ strike to promote the movie effectively. Additionally, Warner Bros. is also working on a television spinoff, Dune: The Sisterhood, for its streaming platform Max.
Dune: Part Two will be released in theaters on Nov. 3, 2023.
Source: ScreenRant