Long-Awaited Dune: Part Two Arrives in Theaters

Aira discusses the release and reception of the long-awaited sequel to sci-fi blockbuster Dune.

After a huge box-office success with the first Dune film back in October 2021, the highly and long-awaited sci-fi sequel Dune: Part 2 was finally released in theaters last Friday. The sequel follows the events after the first film where Paul Atrides played by Timothée Chalamet reunites with the love of his life Chani, played by Zendaya Coleman as he seeks revenge against the people who destroyed his family. It also stars Austin Butler, Florence Pugh and many other actors, the film is directed by Denis Villeneuve. 

Based on the novel series by Frank Herbert, Dune takes place in the dystopian-like future where it follows the story of Paul Arreides. And the obstacles that he and his family faced while having control of the desert planet named Arrakis. The commercial success of “Dune: Part 1”, it green-lited the production of the second Dune film. New cast members were announced in early 2022 and filming began between July to December of 2022 in countries like Hungary, Italy, etc. Dune 2 was scheduled to be released on October 20, 2023 but due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes of that year, which could affect the box-office of the film. Warner Bros. Pictures, the distributor postponed the film to March 2024 and then had its world premiere in London on February 15 with the star-studded cast and with its director on the red carpet. 

Then Dune: Part 2 was finally released on March 1, 2024 and according to CNN, the film “secured the No. 1 spot in its opening weekend with a strong $81.5 million in domestic sales.” Then, it was updated to $82.4 million in its opening weekend and  they also grossed up to $178.5 million globally. It currently has a critic score of 93% and an audience score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. Some of the reviews were praised for its cinematic visuals and for its sci-fi storytelling, while others criticized for its slow pacing and being overhyped while comparing it to the first film. Either way, Dune two is a sequel that can surpass your expectations or can be met with disappointment. You can watch Dune: Part 2 starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in theaters now and it’s also available in IMAX as well.