The highly anticipated release of 'Dune: Part Two' has made a significant impact at the box office, raking in an impressive $32.1 million on its opening day from 4,071 locations. This figure includes $12 million from Thursday evening and earlier event preview screenings, making it the biggest opening weekend of the year so far, surpassing the previous record set by 'Bob Marley: One Love.'
'Dune: Part Two' has nearly matched the $41 million debut of its predecessor, which was released in October 2021 amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Industry projections had estimated an opening between $70 million and $80 million, a target that the film is likely to exceed. The movie's appeal in premium large-format auditoriums like Imax and Dolby is expected to drive ticket sales, despite the limited number of screenings.
The positive reviews from critics and audiences alike have contributed to the film's success, with Variety's chief film critic praising it as a cinematic experience that few films can match. Early audience surveys have given the movie an 'A' grade, indicating strong viewer satisfaction.
Adapted from Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel, 'Dune: Part Two' features a star-studded cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, and others. The film's $190 million production budget underscores the need for sustained box office performance, and Warner Bros. is banking on a successful theatrical run with the film's release on Imax screens for three weeks before facing competition from 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.'
In contrast, Paramount's 'Bob Marley: One Love' continues to perform well, with projections of surpassing $80 million domestically and potentially reaching $100 million. Lionsgate's 'Ordinary Angels' and Sony's 'Madame Web' are also holding their own at the box office, while Fathom Events' release of the final episodes of 'The Chosen' Season 4 is expected to draw in audiences following the success of previous theatrical events.
