The cinema world is abuzz with excitement as Legendary Entertainment/Warner Bros’ Dune: Part Two kicks off with an impressive $10 million-plus in previews. This figure includes $2 million from the Imax fan event screening held on February 25. Despite not being officially confirmed by Warner Bros, industry estimates suggest that these numbers could either rise or fall by Friday morning. Previews for the movie began at 3 p.m., signaling a promising start for the much-anticipated sequel.
In comparison to previous film previews, Dune: Part Two’s performance stands out. The $10 million-plus preview earnings mark the biggest since Warner Bros’ Barbie made $22.3 million and Universal’s Oppenheimer earned $10.5 million on a Thursday in July 2021. Even Universal’s Five Nights at Freddy’s, which had a day-and-date release on Peacock streaming service, managed an impressive $10.3 million on a Thursday night in October. These numbers set a high bar for Dune: Part Two, with industry insiders expecting a significant opening weekend.
One of the challenges in predicting Dune: Part Two’s box office performance is the premium-format frontloaded presales. While advance ticket sales are moderate, an $18 million figure typically indicates an opening of over $100 million. However, industry experts caution against relying too heavily on presales as an accurate indicator of overall success.
Dune: Part Two appears to have everything going for it on social media. With a 95% certified fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a social media universe reach of 575.5 million across various platforms, the buzz surrounding the film is undeniable. The star-studded cast, including Zendaya, Dave Bautista, and Timothée Chalamet, has contributed to the social fire-power of the movie, generating positive conversations and anticipation among fans.
Fans are eager to see Dune: Part Two, expressing admiration for the scale and quality of the film. The ensemble cast, director Denis Villeneuve’s track record, and composer Hans Zimmer’s score have all garnered praise from fans. The movie is not just seen as a blockbuster but also as a complex geopolitical thriller, sparking demands for a lengthy runtime to fully explore its intricacies. The anticipation for Dune: Part Two is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting its release.
Overall, the preview numbers and social media reception indicate a strong start for Dune: Part Two. As the cinema landscape continues to evolve, the film’s performance will be closely monitored to determine its impact on the industry and audience expectations. Stay tuned for more updates as the movie’s release date approaches.