Muad’Dib is prepared to make his mark at the box office. Following months of anticipation and widespread acclaim, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two made its international debut this week, amidst tremendously positive reception.
Furthermore, following previews that generated $12 million on Thursday, the epic space opera sequel is projected to have grossed approximately $32 million on its first day of domestic distribution.
This places Dune: Part Two on track to earn just under $80 million in its opening weekend, which is approximately double the $41 million earned by the original Dune during its opening weekend in 2021.
The concurrent release of the renowned film Dune on the streaming platform that was previously HBO Max caused discord between Villeneuve and Warner Bros. However, for Dune: Part Two, the studio is going all out, distributing worldwide premieres, organizing early press screenings, and employing its star-studded cast as weapons in a marketing frenzy. This week marked the release of Dune: Part Two in select international territories; as of this weekend, the film has amassed $43 million from over 70 international markets.
Approximately a dozen locations worldwide have screened Dune: Part Two in 70mm IMAX film, attesting to its phenomenal success in the format. Dune: Part Two, which was reportedly budgeted at $190 million, has received critical acclaim as one of the greatest sequels in history. In addition to receiving an A CinemaScore from opening day audiences, the film has amassed a 94% approval rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. In her review, Therese Lacson of Collider remarked, “Although Part Two is commendable in many aspects, it fails to reach its intended conclusion without an initial setback.”
‘Dune: Part Two’ Does Not Alone Explicitly Address Faith Among the Top Five Films.
Dune: Part Two concludes Villeneuve’s two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel, which follows the messianic-like Paul Atreides on his journey into the depths of absolute depravity and darkness. The film stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, in addition to an esteemed ensemble. Additionally, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh, two of the most promising young actors of their generation and newcomers to the franchise, appear in Dune 2. Although much would depend on the success of this film, rumors of a potential third film are already circulating.
In contrast, the lingering success Bob Marley: One Love, which twice dominated the weekend box office, descended to the number two position. On its third Friday of release, the music biopic grossed an additional $1.9 million, bringing its total domestic gross to nearly $80 million. The Chosen, whose fourth season is currently being released in theaters in installments, succeeded One Love. Since their respective releases last month, the previous two installments have amassed a cumulative revenue of $22 million. Ordinary Angels, yet another faith-based film, occupied the fourth position, while Sony’s Madame Web, which is rapidly fading from theaters, rounded out the top five. Continue to visit Collider for further updates.
