Ready to rule the box office, Muad'Dib. Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve, released globally this week to rave reviews after months of delay.
Following $12 million in Thursday previews, the epic space opera sequel is expected to gross $32 million domestically on day one.
This puts Dune: Part Two on track to collect just under $80 million in its debut weekend, nearly double the $41 million of the first Dune in 2021.
Villeneuve and Warner Bros. clashed when Dune was released on HBO Max simultaneously. For Dune: Part Two, the studio is premiering the film worldwide, giving journalists super-early viewing, and marketing its star-studded ensemble.
Dune: Part Two launched in select international regions this week and grossed $43 million from over 70 markets in its first weekend.
Around a dozen IMAX theaters worldwide show Dune: Part Two in 70mm. Dune: Part Two, made for $190 million, is considered one of the best sequels.
The film has an A CinemaScore from opening day viewers and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating. Therese Lacson of Collider commented, “While Part Two is impressive on multiple fronts, it doesn't make it to the finish line without stumbling first.”
Dune: Part Two, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya and an acclaimed ensemble, concludes Villeneuve's two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's famous novel, which leads messiah-like Paul Atreides into darkness and total corruption.