Dune: Part Two is continuing the trend established by Barbie and Oppenheimer, that you don't need to make a superhero film in order to have spectacular returns at the box office.
This past weekend, the Dune sequel secured another $17.6M domestically and $30.7M internationally, for a total global weekend gross of $48.3M.
These are very solid numbers for a film in its fourth weekend of release that also faced Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which made its North American debut this past weekend.
The sequel will face even more competition at the box office this weekend as another sci-fi blockbuster, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, hits theaters on March 29.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Dune: Part Two's break-even milestone is $500M.
Previously, Villeneuve has stated that the sequel's box office performance will determine if he makes a third installment. However, more recently, Villeneuve has coyly stated that he won't make a third film if it doesn't surpass the second.
However, it would be shocking for Villeneuve not to return for a third film and it's likely he's just exhibiting a bit of showmanship as anticipation now builds for Dune: Messiah.
The film features an exceptional cast with Timothée Chalamet starring as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck and Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.
Also appearing in supporting roles are Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV, Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat, Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam and Javier Bardem as Stilgar.
Dune: Part Two was released on March 01, 2024. The film was originally set for release on November 3, 2023 but was pushed back due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Hollywood strike.
Dune: Part Two Official Synopsis
Dune: Part Two will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath 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.
Denis Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts based on Herbert’s novel.