‘Dune 2’ Rescues Hollywood Box Office

The film “Dune: Part Two” has achieved the highest opening revenue in the first three months of the year, boosting Hollywood box office growth after a sluggish period.

According to Variety, the opening performance of the film has provided a boost to cinemas after a challenging period due to last year’s labor strikes, surpassing the expectations of industry experts. David A. Gross, the head of Franchise Entertainment Research, considers the revenue a remarkable achievement for a sci-fi blockbuster.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film grossed $81.5 million in North America over three days, doubling the opening revenue of the first installment. The film also made waves internationally, earning $97 million from 71 countries and territories, totaling $178.5 million globally. The UK led with $11.5 million, followed by France ($9.3 million), and Germany ($8.4 million).

The trailer for “Dune: Part Two” (Dune 2) premiered domestically on March 1. Video: CGV

The Hollywood Reporter notes that with the $178.5 million figure, Legendary Pictures is expanding its audience. The publication also suggests that the decision to postpone the project’s release from November 2023 to early March this year – to allow lead actors Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya enough time for promotion – has widened the young audience base. Previously, theater owners were unhappy when Legendary CEO Josh Grode decided to change the film’s release date.

At the London premiere on February 15, the film received critical acclaim. Gregory Ellwood of The Playlist wrote on social media: “Impressive work. Director Denis Villeneuve creates some truly explosive moments. Austin Butler delivers an impressive performance.”

Collider’s Steven Weintraub praised the film’s technical aspects, cast, and music. “The film is about two hours and forty minutes long, and I would be very happy to watch another hour,” Steven wrote on X.

Variety’s Jazz Tangcay stated: “Dune 2 is a class act, from cinematographer Greig Fraser’s visuals to the lavish settings by production designer Patrice Vermette. Denis Villeneuve showcases directorial talent in one of the best sci-fi films of all time.”

A scene from Dune 2. Photo: Warner Bros.

A scene from “Dune.” Photo: Warner Bros.

The film, adapted from Frank Herbert’s novel, continues the story from the previous installment, revolving around Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) seeking revenge on those who destroyed his family. Paul receives help from the Fremen tribe and Chani (Zendaya) – the beautiful girl he meets during his exile.

Compared to the first part, Paul Atreides becomes more resilient after undergoing significant family upheaval. From a naive teenager, he must bear the fate of the entire planet Arrakis, with simmering resentment under the desert sands waiting to erupt. Paul succeeds in conquering the giant sandworms seen in the previous installment, eliciting cheers and admiration from the populace.

“Dune” premiered in 2021, grossing over $400 million and winning six Oscars. In addition to Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya reprising their roles, the second installment features Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, Léa Seydoux, Austin Butler, and Christopher Walken.

According to Box Office Vietnam (BOV), “Dune 2” grossed over 10.4 billion VND in its first three days in Vietnam. Other films released on the same day as “Dune 2,” such as “Bà Thím Báo Thù” and “Quỷ Thay Đầu,” grossed 3.5 billion and 5.1 billion VND, respectively. “Mai” starring Trấn Thành is said to have crossed the 500 billion VND revenue mark, according to BOV, although the producers have not finalized the figure, reporting current revenue at 480 billion VND.