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Dune 2 Release Date Moves Away From Hunger Games Prequel
The release date for Dune: Part Two has shifted once again. The upcoming Denis Villeneuve film is based on the epic Frank Herbert novel centering on a battle for the control of the hostile planet Arrakis, which contains a valuable resource known as "spice." In 1984, an adaptation of the novel starring Kyle MacLachlan and directed by David Lynch was released and largely received negative reviews. In 2021, a much-anticipated, high-budget adaptation starring Timotheé Chalamet was released by WarnerMedia simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. The new Dune was a success that was nominated for ten Oscars and won six.
The 2021 adaptation of Dune covers half of the original novel, which is the first in a six book series by Herbert. Dune: Part Two is set to cover the rest of the book, seeing the return of stars Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, and Zendaya, who will luckily get more screen time in the sequel. New introductions to the cast include Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Christopher Walken, and Austin Butler. Originally set 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 upcoming Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Now, Warner Bros. reports that the film's release date has shifted again. The release date has moved two weeks up, from November 17 to November 3, 2023. The shift moves Dune: Part Two away from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' November 17 release, taking the spot that was vacated by Marvel's Blade, which was recently delayed. The two-week shift allows Dune: Part Two to debut without major competition in the box office.
Dune 2's Release Change Is A Good Sign For Sequel
Though it can be concerning to hear about numerous shake-ups for a high profile film such as Dune: Part Two, the recent changes in the Dune sequel's release are a positive sign. Shifting the release date two weeks earlier is an encouraging indication that production on the film is on track. In addition, taking advantage of the weekend that was originally occupied by Blade means that Dune: Part Two will avoid battle with the Hunger Games prequel movie and still take advantage of an early November release, drawing attention in time for awards season. Given the successful run enjoyed by Dune at the Oscars last year, the prime release date the film now occupies will likely be the cherry on top of its reception.
After the many reported changes at Warner Bros., it's become clear that Dune: Part Two is one of their steadier properties, given the changes made in order to maximize box office numbers. The Dune sequel will not follow the release model of its predecessor, which was affected by the pandemic, opting for an exclusive theatrical run without a simultaneous HBO Max release. While there's over a year to go for Dune: Part Two, the first film is still available on HBO Max.
