DUNE: PART TWO Revives Theaters with $81.5 Million Opening Weekend
By Movieguide® Contributor
DUNE: PART TWO stands as 2024’s first major hit, generating much-needed momentum for movie theaters as the industry heads into a period of major spring releases.
“This is an outstanding opening for a science-fiction [sequel],” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. “Audiences are connecting with these human, vulnerable [characters].”
The movie topped Warner Bros’s estimated $65 million start, grossing $81.5 million during its opening weekend. Internationally, it generated an additional $97 million, collectively grossing $178 million during its first weekend in theaters.
“It really captured the marketplace,” said Warner Bros. president of domestic distribution, Jeff Goldstein. “It’s a cultural moment globally.”
“Denis [Villeneuve] made a really extraordinary and special film and it’s been really exciting to see people respond,” added Mary Parent, a producer on both DUNE movies. “It was made for the big screen and it feels like it’s being received as a cinematic event.”
Part of Movieguide®’s review reads:
DUNE: PART TWO is visually stunning. This doesn’t take away from the movie’s epic, dramatic storytelling. In one sense, PART TWO is a love story between Paul and Chani, set against the backdrop of a struggle for freedom. However, DUNE: PART TWO is also a story about good and evil, political power, religion, justice, revenge, and the consequences of wielding power on a worldwide, galactic scale. That said, the movie has some politically correct, direct attacks on religious “fundamentalism” that can be used to attack all religion, but especially Christians and Muslims.
DUNE: PART TWO has certainly created a moment for Imax and other premium large formats, which accounted for nearly half (48%) of all domestic ticket sales.
“Our most iconic film locations are virtually sold out for weeks,” said Imax CEO Rich Gelfond.
Though DUNE: PART TWO was originally slated to release last fall, Warner Bros. decided to delay its release due to the actors’ strike. The decision was made so the star-studded cast—Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler and Florence Pugh—could promote the movie and attend the premieres. The delay seems to have only generated more anticipation as fans anxiously awaited a chance to finally see the movie.
“We worked very hard to be ready for that [original] date but we very much felt that, especially with this incredible cast, that it was worth waiting for,” Parent said.
The movie is bringing much-needed momentum to movie theaters as a dry spell during the first quarter of the year is opening into a period of plenty during the spring. KUNG FU PANDA 4, GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE and GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE are all releasing later this month and will certainly see a boost from the buzz generated by DUNE: PART TWO.
Movieguide® previously reported:
While the entertainment industry still fights to recover from last year’s writers’ and actors’ strikes, Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob believes 2024 will be a good year for theaters and theatergoers.
2024’s box office has had a bleak start. The most popular movie released so far this year is the MEAN GIRLS remake, which grossed just under $70 million domestically. However, as multiple movies later in the year have blockbuster potential, Jacob believes 2024 will be a good year for theaters.
“We are starting to see product coming back,” Jacob told The Hollywood Reporter. “Those are positive that point me in the right direction.”
He was encouraged by the announcement of two more major movies coming to theaters this year: MOANA 2 and MONKEY MAN. MOANA 2’s story was originally set to be a TV show before Disney turned it into a movie. MONKEY MAN was originally slated to release on Netflix before Universal acquired it to release in theaters.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
