Dune and No Time to Die have officially announced their release dates in China. Chinese box office grosses have become a huge factor in the success of Hollywood blockbusters over the last decade, with many big films receiving a higher gross worldwide than domestically. Likely, in addition to the streaming results (Dune will be released on HBO Max simultaneously with the first month of its theatrical run), Chinese box office will be key to the continuation of both franchises.

No Time to Die and Dune have both experienced massive delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, Dune was almost delayed further to 2022 but stayed strong for its October U.S. release, and No Time to Die has had no fewer than six delays (it was even rescheduled twice before the pandemic due to the departure of Danny Boyle). More delays were feared because China is about to enter the weeks-long National Day holiday and No Time to Die only recently passed censorship in the territory, but now international distributors can breathe a sigh of relief.

Per Variety, release dates have been secured for both films. Dune will be coming to China on the same day as its day-and-date release in North America, October 22. No Time to Die will debut in China one week after Dune on October 29, three full weeks after it hits North America.


Dune, directed by Denis Villenueve, is an adaptation of the first half of the classic Frank Herbert sci-fi novel. In the film, House Atreides is asked to take over the planet Arrakis. The leader Duke Leto knows it's a political trap, but can't find a way out of it. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya.

No Time to Die is the fifth Daniel Craig outing as James Bond and the 25th overall Bond film in the Eon Films franchise. The movie will follow Craig's Bond being pulled back into action in a plot that will tie together the events of all his films. The film also features Rami Malek, Ana de Armas, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, and Jeffrey Wright.

No Time to Die and Dune are two of the biggest tentpoles to be buffeted by the pandemic, but they seem to have finally reached solid ground. Indeed, No Time to Die tickets are officially on sale already. For Dune, receiving the Chinese release is likely even more important seeing as its box office performance is sure to be a factor in securing a sequel. As for fans in the Chinese market, it'll be gratifying that they too can finally have the opportunity to see these long-delayed works.

Dune (2021)
Release Date: Oct 22, 2021

No Time To Die/James Bond 25 (2021)
Release Date: Oct 08, 2021