Warner Bros. and Legendary’s highly anticipated sequel, Dune: Part Two, has made an impressive debut at the box office, raking in $12 million in domestic previews ahead of its official release. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and boasting an ensemble cast led by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, the sequel has generated significant buzz and excitement among audiences.
The $12 million preview gross marks a notable increase from the $5.1 million earned by its predecessor, Dune, in 2021, despite facing challenges posed by the pandemic and simultaneous streaming release. The strong showing in previews positions Dune: Part Two for a promising opening weekend, with projections ranging from $80 million to $85 million domestically.
Notably, Dune: Part Two’s preview performance is the strongest since Barbie, which garnered $22.3 million in previews in July 2023. The sequel has also received a substantial boost from Imax screenings, contributing $4.5 million to the total preview gross.
Internationally, Dune: Part Two is debuting in 71 markets this weekend, and early reports suggest favorable reception in regions where it has already premiered. With heightened anticipation and positive word-of-mouth, the sequel is poised to capitalize on its momentum and deliver a strong box office performance both domestically and overseas.
While initial tracking suggested a more conservative domestic opening of $75 million, the robust preview numbers have prompted optimism among industry observers, with some predicting a potential domestic gross of $90 million to $100 million. Warner Bros. insiders have offered a more conservative estimate of $70 million to $75 million, but even within this range, Dune: Part Two stands to achieve significant success for the sci-fi genre.
As theaters continue to rebound from pandemic-related challenges, Dune: Part Two’s box office performance serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of cinematic spectacles and the power of immersive storytelling on the big screen. With its stellar cast, stunning visuals, and compelling narrative, the sequel is poised to captivate audiences and solidify its place as a blockbuster franchise for years to come.
