Dune is now playing in U.S. theaters, and despite debuting simultaneously on HBO Max, Denis Villeneuve's sci-fi epic has exceeded expectations at the domestic box office.
Initial weekend estimates indicated a $40 million bow, but updated reports reveal that the movie actually took in $41M, giving the filmmaker his biggest domestic opening and Warner Bros. its best debut for an HBO Max day-and-date title.
Though a sequel has yet to be officially greenlit, this is encouraging start, and it may only be a matter of time before the studio makes an announcement. Villeneuve has always been confident that he will get the opportunity to return to Arrakis to continue the story, and was asked what he could reveal about a potential Part Two during an interview with Screen Rant.
"The difference is just that Dune: Part One, of course, is like an introduction to a world where we explain who is who, who is doing what, and what is the technology? What is the culture here? The second movie, I think, will be an opportunity to have much more fun. In a way, it will be more cinematic. That's what I can say."
What did you guys make of Dune? Did you watch it in theaters or at home? Drop us a comment down below, and check out our review if you're still on the fence about seeing the movie on the big screen. If you don't mind spoilers, you can also find out how the divisive ending sets up Part Two.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.