As Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment prepare to take us back to the sands of Arrakis for the hotly-anticipated second instalment of Denis Villenueve’s Dune adaptation, Deadline is reporting that the sci-fi sequel is on track to amass a global opening weekend of around $170 million.
According to projectionss, Dune: Part Two is looking at a North American opening weekend of around $90 million, with a further $70 million expected from international markets. Taking into account pre-sales and almost universal critical acclaim [read our own ★★★★ review here], there’s also some thought that the film might top $100 million in its domestic opening weekend, which would be the first time that has happened since Barbie opened this past July.
For comparison, the first Dune grossed $41 million in its domestic opening weekend, although that was with a day-and-date streaming release on HBO Max; it would go on to earn $434.8 million worldwide, of which $110 million of that came from North America. Given projections, Dune: Two looks on course to surpass those numbers, which will be promising news for Legendary and Warner Bros. given that Villeneuve is already close to completing the script for the potential third film Dune Messiah.
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Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Featuring in the cast of Dune: Part Two are Timothée Chalamet (Wonka), Zendaya (Euphoria), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning), Josh Brolin (Milk), Austin Butler (Elvis), Florence Pugh (Black Widow), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Fences), Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future), Stellan Skarsgård (Mamma Mia), Charlotte Rampling (45 Years), Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men) and Anya Taylor-Joy (Last Night in Soho).
Dune: Part Two will be released on March 1st, 2024.
