DUNE: PART TWO Sells Out Imax Theaters ‘Globally’
By Movieguide® Contributor
DUNE: PART TWO sold out of Imax theaters during its opening weekend.
“The lesson is that if you take a beautiful visual experience, a good story and you put it in the hands of a brilliant filmmaker with an IMAX camera, you’re going to get very good results,” Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax, said, noting that the only reason Imax ticket sales weren’t higher is because “We ran out of seats pretty much globally.”
CNBC reported, “Internationally, the film is expected to tally $97 million, bringing its global haul to $178.5 million. IMAX represented 18% of all international ticket sales, the company said.”
Executive Producer and CEO of Legendary Entertainment Josh Grode shared his thoughts about the film.
“I think this is a movie where you know the word of mouth is going to carry it,” said Josh Grode, Executive Producer and CEO of Legendary Entertainment. “It is a stupendous piece of filmmaking. There’s no other way to say it. I’ve just about run out of adjectives.”
Movieguide® praised DUNE: PART TWO’s “Strong moral, patriotic worldview overall with some allegorical Christian, redemptive elements.” Part of the 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.
Grode also shared the possibility of a third installment in the franchise.
“I think everybody is very excited and really enjoying this moment and if [director] Denis [Villeneuve] gets the script right and he feels that he can deliver another experience on par with what we’ve just completed then I don’t see why not,” he said.
Featuring big-name stars like Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, PART TWO “opened to $82.5 million in North America this past weekend, double the first film and the biggest start of the year to date. It’s a major win for Legendary in broadening the audience for its DUNE franchise, and is the biggest opening to date for Villeneuve and Chalamet,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
Zendaya took to Instagram on Monday to share her gratitude for her part in the film.
“Being in this film is such an honor and I just wanted to come on here to express my deep gratitude, to Denis for not just his talent but his kindness, to everyone who’s heart went into making it and to everyone who’s taken their time to see it,” she said.
Movieguide® previously reported on DUNE: PART TWO’s success:
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.”
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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.
