The release date for Dune: part two has shifted again. Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming film is based on Frank Herbert’s epic novel that revolves around a battle for control of the hostile planet Arrakis, which contains a valuable resource known as “spice.” An adaptation of the novel starring Kyle MacLachlan and directed by David Lynch was released in 1984 and received largely negative reviews. In 2021, a highly anticipated, high-budget adaptation starring Timotheé Chalamet was released in theaters and on HBO Max by WarnerMedia. The new Dune was a success that was nominated for ten Oscars and won six.
The 2021 adaptation of Dune occupies half of the original novel, the first in a series of six books by Herbert. Dune: part two is set to cover the rest of the book, with the return of stars Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista and Zendaya, who will thankfully get more screen time in the sequel. New cast introductions include Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Christopher Walken and Austin Butler. Originally slated for an October 2023 release date, Dune: part two was pushed back a month to November of next year, putting it in competition with the coming hunger games precursor, The ballad of songbirds and snakes.
Now Warner Bros. that the release date of the film has been pushed back again. The release date has been pushed back two weeks, from November 17 to November 3, 2023. The shift is moving Dune: part two away from The ballad of songbirds and snakes’ November 17 release, taking the spot vacated by Marvel’s Sheet, which was recently postponed. The fortnightly shift makes it possible Dune: part two debut without major competition at the box office.
Dune 2’s release change is a good sign for the sequel
While it can be unsettling to hear about countless shakeups for a high profile movie like Dune: part two, the recent changes in the Dune sequel’s release are a positive sign. Shifting the release date two weeks early is an encouraging indication that the film’s production is on track. In addition, taking advantage of the weekend that was originally all about Sheet does that mean Dune: part two will avoid the battle with the hunger games prequel movie and still take advantage of an early November release, garnering attention in time for award season. Given the successful run enjoyed by Dune at the Oscars last year, the first release date the film now takes will likely be the icing on the cake.
After the many reported changes at Warner Bros. it has become clear that Dune: part two is one of their more stable properties, given the changes made to maximize the number of checkouts. The Dune sequel will not follow the release model of its predecessor, which was hit by the pandemic, opting for an exclusive theatrical run without a concurrent HBO Max release. While there is still more than a year to go Dune: part two, the first movie is still available on HBO Max.
Source: Warner Bros.
