“Dune: Part Two,” the long-awaited sequel to one of the most popular science fiction adaptations in recent years, secured the No. 1 spot in its opening weekend with a strong $81.5 million in domestic sales, according to studio estimates. Globally, the film has grossed $178.5 million.
“This is just what the box office needed and much higher than any of us could predict,” said Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution at Warner Bros. Pictures, which distributed the movie. “That’s especially true given that it’s a sci-fi movie, which is a genre that is a hard nut to crack. And we grossed $178.5 million worldwide, which is quite a standup.”
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The sequel beat out the first Dune installment, which opened with $41 million when it was released in domestic theaters in October 2021. It has also become a feather in the cap for some of its star-studded cast. According to Comscore data, “Dune: Part Two” is the largest opening for Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Austin Butler. It’s also director Denis Villeneuve’s highest grossing movie.
“We created a cultural moment, and it started with this extraordinary movie that Denis Villeneuve told in a really compelling way, and a cast has worked their butt off around the world for this movie,” said Goldstein.
Moviegoers have also been enthusiastically investing in seeing the movie on a larger screen. Forty-eight percent of total domestic box office sales this weekend came from premium large formats like IMAX 70 mm, IMAX Digital, and Dolby Cinema, where tickets sell at slightly higher price points than those of regular-sized theaters.
“‘Dune: Part Two” became a must-see event on the biggest screen possible and, given the reputation of director Denis Villeneuve as a cinematic genius who uses the massive canvas of the movie theatre, this should come as no surprise,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.
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