Yahoo Movies Dune: Part Two sets new records with huge box office debut
Dune: Part Two has set multiple new records with a huge box office debut for the science fiction space opera.
Starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya amongst a star-studded cast including Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler and more, the Denis Villeneuve-directed Part Two is based on the second half of the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, and is a follow up to 2021's Dune.
According to Variety, the sequel has collected $81.5 million in its domestic debut, in the biggest opening weekend of 2024 so far – and the largest since Taylor Swift's concert film The Eras Tour ($93 million).
Related: Why Dune: Part Two fails to address Dune's biggest issue
Dune: Part Two is also Villeneuve's best US debut ever – and nearly double the opening of the first film at $41 million.
The sequel follows Chalemet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Freman warrior Chandi as they wage war against the House of Harkonnen.
A third film – though not officially confirmed – will be based on Herbert's second novel, Dune: Messiah. Villeneuve told Digital Spy: "We are in early stages. We are in the right direction. There's a lot of work that has been done, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done in order to have something solid to shoot."
Related: Dune: Part Two ending explained – how does it set up the next movie?
Digital Spy's review of Dune: Part Two called the film a "near-perfect sci-fi epic".
We commended the performances of newcomers to the franchise, Florence Pugh and Léa Seydoux, but lamented their short screen time.
Our review concluded: "This terrific sequel is an unassailable argument for keeping Dune alive on the big screen for a little bit longer."
Dune: Part Two is out now in cinemas.
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