If you’ve been waiting for the streaming premiere of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, you won’t have long to wait. Warner Bros. announced today that the acclaimed sequel will start streaming exclusively on Max on May 21st, which is just next week.

Dune: Part Two is already available on Digital and was released on Blu-ray/4K Ultra HD today, so the upcoming streaming release means that Paul Atreides’ saga will soon be accessible for all who want it. The Dune sequel explores “the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.“

Dune: Part Two won’t be the end of the saga, as Villeneuve is expected to return for Dune Messiah, but don’t expect that to happen immediately. After spending six years working on the first two movies, Villeneuve is ready for a break. “I felt that it was a good idea to move forward right after Part One. We were already designing, writing et cetera. But it also meant that for six years I was on Arrakis non-stop, and I think it will be healthy to step back a little bit,” Villeneuve said. “First, make sure that we have a strong screenplay. The thing I want to avoid is not having something ready. I never did it, and now I feel it could be dangerous because of the enthusiasm. We need to make sure all the ideas are on paper.“

Villeneuve added, “If we go back, it needs to be real, it needs to be relevant, if ever I do Dune Messiah, [it’s] because it’s going to be better than Part Two. Otherwise, I don’t do it.” Just last month, the director said he was already writing the third installment. “That anger [felt by Zendaya’s character at the end of Dune: Part Two] is tremendous,” he said. “I don’t want to reveal what I’m going to do with the third movie. I know exactly what to do. I’m writing it right now. But there’s a lot of firepower there, and I’m very excited about that decision.“

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There were many things to look forward to when Dune: Part Two finally landed after a bit of a delay. The sequel expanded on the lore and started to escalate the universe well beyond what general audiences could predict. There were even rumblings that Anya Taylor-Joy might have a secret role and fuel would be added to the fire as she walked the red carpet at the premiere dressed in a very desert-appropriate dress. Lo and behold, during the two-hour and forty-six-minute epic, the unborn sister of Paul Atreides, Alia, would come to him in a vision as an adult and the viewers would be greeted with Taylor-Joy’s face.

Taylor-Joy would sit down with Variety to talk about her upcoming film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga when she revealed the story of how the secret cameo came about. As she made her appearance as a pretty significant character, that led to speculation of her return for Dune Messiah. When asked if there will be another Dune in her future, Taylor-Joy simply replied, “I hope so.” Meanwhile, Villeneuve would not contain his excitement to work with her again, “Shooting with Anya in Africa was nothing short of magical,” he says. “Her generosity, candor and passion truly moved me. I can’t wait to go back on Arrakis with her.”

She had actually met with director Denis Villeneuve just prior to filming Furiosa. The meeting was for a different movie, but Taylor-Joy explained, “Before I even sat down, he was like, ‘I want you to be in Dune, but you can’t do it!’ I was like, ‘Please?’ I skipped all the stages of grief and went straight to begging I was like, ‘I can do this. I can be in Australia and Abu Dhabi at the same time.’ He wanted me to be part of the universe. We kept in touch. I just had this feeling that it wasn’t over.”

Villeneuve recalled instantly seeing Taylor-Joy in the role just as the meeting with her started, “Anya was Alia as soon as I met with her. In fact, I realized after the fact, she has always been Alia. Anya feels out of this world, as though she belongs to some other dimension, one step into the dream.” Her role was kept secret, however. It was shot with a small crew in Nambia. She revealed, “I told my husband and my parents and I took my mum.” What’s even more impressive was that it was revealed that “no one at the studio knew. My face had been blurred out” in early versions of the film.

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The summer movie season officially kicks off next weekend with the release of the big-budget tentpole flick, The Fall Guy. Pretty soon, theaters are going to be jampacked with megabudget blockbusters, so we want to know what you think is the best movie of 2024 so far. Is it Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two? Or do you prefer more under-the-radar fare like Late Night With the Devil, or even the streaming hit Road House? Take the poll and let us know!

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Sand and spice make everything nice, as Fandango announces a digital release for Dune: Part Two! Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic comes to Fandango’s video-on-demand service, Fandango at Home, today. Fans can experience Paul Atreides’ next chapter in SD, HD, and UHD by purchasing the film for $29.99. Viewers can also watch Atreides’ journey from the beginning with the Dune 2-Movie Collection, available on Fandango at Home at a discounted price of $39.99.

According to Fanango’s 2024 Most Anticipated Movies Survey, 8,000 ticket buyers say Dune: Part Two is the fourth most anticipated film to own. Other films on the list include A Quiet Place: Day One at #10, with Gladiator 2 in 9th, Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim in 8th, Inside Out 2 in 7th, Despicable Me 4 in 6th, Venom 3 in 5th (really?), Dune: Part Two in 4th, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire in 3rd, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in 2nd, and Deadpool and Wolverine in 1st.

Dune: Part Two explores “the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”

The sequel stars Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Jessica, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban, Christopher Walken as Emperor, Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonen, and more.

Denis Villeneuve directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Frank HerberHerbert’s. Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe, and Patrick McCormick produce. The executive producers are Josh Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, and Kim Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson as a creative consultant.

Will you buy Fandango’s digital version of Dune: Part Two or wait for the sequel’s physical release on 4K Blu-ray? Let us know how you plan to own the film in the comments below.

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Stephen McKinley Henderson played Thufir Hawat in Dune, but sadly, the Mentat adviser to House Atreides was nowhere to be found in Dune: Part Two.

The actor did shoot scenes for Dune: Part Two, but they wound up on the cutting room floor, which director Denis Villeneuve has said was one of the most painful choices he had to make. However, Henderson wasn’t too bothered. “I shot stuff for them and had a great time with Denis and Austin Butler,” Henderson told Entertainment Weekly. “I got to have a nice lunch with Christopher Walken. It was a great thing to be a part of, and I understand it comes with the territory. Denis had to do the film that he had to do. So I just love being a part of it. No regrets.“

Henderson mentions shooting a scene with Austin Butler, who plays Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, which isn’t surprising for those who have read Frank Herbert’s novel. Following the massacre of House Atreides, Hawat is forced to serve House Harkonnen. Unfortunately, Henderson’s scenes will likely never be seen. “You’ll never see it,” he said. This echoes what Villeneuve has said about deleted scenes. “I’m a strong believer that when it’s not in the movie, it’s dead,” Villeneuve told Collider in February. “I kill darlings, and it’s painful for me.“

Another actor whose character was cut from the film was Tim Blake Nelsen. Exactly who he portrayed is unknown, but some believe he was Count Hasimir Fenring, an assassin and advisor to the Emperor (Christopher Walken). Like Henderson, Nelsen doesn’t have any hard feelings, but admitted that he was “heartbroken” when he didn’t make the final film. “I don’t think I’m at liberty to say what the scene was. I’d leave that to Denis if he wants to talk about it,” Nelsen said. “I had a great time over there shooting it. And then he had to cut it because he thought the movie was too long. And I am heartbroken over that, but there’s no hard feelings. I loved it, and I can’t wait to do something else with him and we certainly plan to do that.“

Dune: Part Two will “explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.” The film is still playing in theaters, so be sure to let us know what you thought of it and check out a review from our own Chris Bumbray right here.

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As if Dune: Part Two needed any more praise. Now, Denis Villeneuve’s newest sci-fi spice epic has the ringing endorsement from one of the most prolific directors in movie history. The run for the second part in the Frank Herbert novel adaptation has been a triumph, with many praising the sequel as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time; not only that, but it’s been consistently riding sandworms at the top of the box office, grossing over $500 million worldwide and counting. 

World of Reel has revealed that one big fan of the sequel is none other than Steven Spielberg. Spielberg recently sat down and spoke with Denis Villeneuve for The Director’s Cut – A DGA Podcast, where he would have some of the highest praise that someone could ever offer a director. Some soundbites of Spielberg’s compliments for the Timothée Chalamet-starring film include, “It’s one of the most brilliant science fiction films I’ve ever seen […] That scene surfing the sandworm is one of the greatest things I have ever seen. Ever […] The casting is absolutely remarkable […] This has some of the greatest fighting in it.”

Obviously, with the incredible reception that the movie is getting, the question of more sequels comes into play. Especially since Dune: Part Two ends on a note that sets up an even bigger story. Villeneuve mentioned in an interview with Empire that he will only make a third film if he’s sure it will be better than Part Two. Villeneuve states, “I did both movies back-to-back, which makes absolute sense for me. I felt that it was a good idea to move forward right after Part One. We were already designing, writing et cetera. But it also meant that for six years I was on Arrakis non-stop, and I think it will be healthy to step back a little bit. First, make sure that we have a strong screenplay. The thing I want to avoid is not having something ready. I never did it, and now I feel it could be dangerous because of the enthusiasm. We need to make sure all the ideas are on paper.“

Villeneuve added, “If we go back, it needs to be real, it needs to be relevant, if ever I do Dune Messiah, [it’s] because it’s going to be better than Part Two. Otherwise, I don’t do it.”

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It is now written that Lisan Al Gaib shall prosper at his home at Warner Bros. Amid all the controversial decisions made by the famous water tower studio, the company recognizes that they can sometimes have their cake and eat it too. Margot Robbie’s company LuckyChap signed a first-look deal with Warners after the massive success of Barbie, and the actress has been aiming to bring some plucky creativity to projects that would have otherwise only capitalized on the name of the IP. The studio has also recently signed notable deals with Tom Cruise and Rian Johnson. Recently, the studio has shown that it has the makings of a newer, better class of franchise, with Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two becoming a giant hit.

The Hollywood Reporter has now revealed that Dune: Part Two star Timothée Chalamet has now also signed a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Prior to Dune: Part Two, Chalamet would also rule the ticket sales over the holiday season last December when he starred in Wonka for Warners. These two projects Chalamet has starred in have generated over $1.2 billion at the box office. Details for this new deal have not been officially disclosed, but Chalamet would basically be producing as well as acting in the projects for the studio. As opposed to Robbie’s deal, where she isn’t necessarily slated to star in her producing projects, like the announced adaptation for The Sims.

Warner Bros. motion picture group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy have stated, “Over the last few years, we have admired not only Timothée’s commitment to his craft, which is evident in the range and depth of his varied roles, but also his unwavering dedication to give 100% of his time and attention to every project he has made here at Warner Bros. and elsewhere.” The statement continues, “His collaboration on the campaigns for Dune and Wonka is something we all enjoyed immensely, and the results speak for themselves. We continue to build for the future of the theatrical film business at Warner Bros. Discovery and are thrilled Timothée has chosen our studio to be his creative home.”

Chalamet has expressed his pleasant working experience with the studio and shares his enthusiasm for the future, “Working with Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy and their teams on Wonka and Dune over these last few years has been a deeply rewarding experience. These are studio heads who believe in real movie making, and I’m so grateful for their support as an actor, producer and collaborator. This partnership feels like a natural next step. Let’s go!”

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Dune: Part Two has been a triumph, with many praising the sequel as one of the best sci-fi movies of all time; not only that, but it’s been kicking ass at the box office, grossing over $500 million worldwide and counting. That all but guarantees a third installment, but director Denis Villeneuve isn’t in any rush; in fact, he told Empire Magazine that he won’t make Dune: Messiah at all unless he’s sure it’s going to be better than Dune: Part Two.

“I did both movies back-to-back, which makes absolute sense for me,” Villeneuve said. “I felt that it was a good idea to move forward right after Part One. We were already designing, writing et cetera. But it also meant that for six years I was on Arrakis non-stop, and I think it will be healthy to step back a little bit. First, make sure that we have a strong screenplay. The thing I want to avoid is not having something ready. I never did it, and now I feel it could be dangerous because of the enthusiasm. We need to make sure all the ideas are on paper.“

Villeneuve added, “If we go back, it needs to be real, it needs to be relevant, if ever I do Dune Messiah, [it’s] because it’s going to be better than Part Two. Otherwise, I don’t do it.” As much as fans want to see Villeneuve complete the saga, I’d wager that most wouldn’t want him to rush it. Take your time, do it right, and we’ll be waiting.

Our own Chris Bumbray gave the Dune sequel a rave review. “In this day of assembly line blockbusters, it’s a miracle that director Denis Villeneuve has managed to get not one but two incredible, uncompromised epics like this through the studio system,” he wrote. “It works as a tentpole blockbuster, but Dune Part Two is also filmmaking at the highest level. It’s a real cinematic event everyone owes it to themselves to take in and hopefully won’t be forgotten come Oscar time. It’s a masterpiece.” You can check out the rest of Bumbray’s review right here.

Dune: Part Two will “explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.” The film is now playing in theaters, so be sure to let us know what you thought of it!

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The early weekend box office numbers are in, and it looks like Dune: Part Two wasn’t quite able to take the number one spot from Kung Fu Panda 4 after all. It was very close, with the animated sequel grossing $30 million to Dune’s $29.1 million. It’s so close that I’m not quite willing to admit my prediction that Dune 2 would top Panda was wrong, as Denis Villeneuve’s sequel has been overperforming at Sunday matinees the last few weeks. That said, even if it doesn’t top Panda, it still had a great weekend, with it only dropping a modest 37% in its third week. It also passed the double-century mark, with its final gross at $205 million. Will it cross $300 million? It’s possible, although it will face heavy competition over the next two weeks with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and Godzilla x Kong.

Meanwhile, Kung Fu Panda 4 had a strong second weekend, dipping a modest 48%. Family audiences are turning out in droves for this fourquel, which should do better domestically than the last two films in the series. However, it will be interesting to see if Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire takes a bite out of their box office, with that movie also aiming for a family audience. 

Mark Wahlberg’s feel-good family film, Arthur the King, had a surprisingly soft opening, considering his co-star was an adorable dog. It only managed $7.5 million, with many critics noting it seemed like a film that would have been better off on streaming than in theaters (our critic Tyler Nichols was one of them). Blumhouse’s Imaginary collapsed (as expected) in its second weekend, earning $5.6 million. While it only fell a modest 44%, its opening was widely considered poor for a Blumhouse film, with some wondering if the studio is in a rut. 

The faith-based Cabrini from Angel Studios also collapsed at the box office this weekend, falling 63% to a poor $2.8 million weekend in fifth place. Clearly, this fact-based historical epic doesn’t have the same mainstream appeal as director Alejandro Monteverde’s last movie, Sound of Freedom. Even still, it did a lot better than other new movies this weekend. Rose Glass’s LGTBQ-themed Love Lies Bleeding had a difficult time hooking a mainstream audience in its wide break, only managing $2.485 million, which is a shame as it’s a bit of a gem. However, it still did way better than The American Society of Magical Negroes, which only managed a $1.25 weekend despite playing on over 1000 screens. The reviews for this one suggested it was a toothless satire, and certainly, the provocative title might have helped turn off some viewers. That one only managed to open in ninth place. It was beaten by the fact-based WW2 story One Life, starring Anthony Hopkins, which made $1.7 million in 8th place. Elsewhere on the chart, Bob Marley: One Love inched closer to a potential $100 million finish with a $1.7 million weekend and a domestic total of just over $93 million. Ordinary Angels rounded out the top 10 with $1 million and a $18 million domestic tally. 

Next weekend should give the box office a much-needed cash influx, with Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opening, although no one really knows if it will be a major hit or not. The reviews (including ours) drop Wednesday at noon ET, so stay tuned!

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In this week’s Box Office Predictions column, I went against the grain of what box office gurus were predicting. They seemed to think Kung Fu Panda 4 would have an easy win over Dune: Part Two, but I had a feeling audiences were really starting to love Villeneuve’s film, with some returning to see it a second or third time. Thus, I predicted Dune 2 would return to first place. While it’s too early for me to brag about being right, it seems both movies are in a dead-heat battle for number 1. 

According to Deadline’s early numbers, the final tally for both is too close to call, with Kung Fu Panda 4 and Dune 2 heading towards a $27-30 million weekend finish. Panda is looking to dip somewhere in the area of 48% in its second weekend, while Dune is only dropping 35% in its third weekend. Villeneuve’s movie has become the first film of 2024 to cross $200 million at the domestic box office and with the numbers holding up so well, a finish near $300 million isn’t out of the question.

As expected, the Mark Wahlberg vehicle Arthur the King (which our critic noted felt like a streaming movie) is looking at a weekend finish of under $8 million, which is low for a Walhberg movie. That’s only slightly better than Wahlberg’s controversial, R-rated faith-based movie, Father Stu. Meanwhile, Blumhouse’s Imaginary is sinking like a stone, with it on track for a second weekend in the $4 million range (for more on our problem with Blumhouse – check out this column). The Christian film Cabrini seems to be having a steeper drop than expected, with it likely only to make $2.6 million. Meanwhile, A24’s Love Lies Bleeding is having a disappointing weekend, with it on track for only $2.3 million in a semi-wide break. That’s too bad, as it’s a bit of a gem.

What are you seeing this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

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