In 2021, audiences finally saw an adaption of Frank Herbert's science fiction epic that did the source material justice. Denis Villeneuve showed once again why he is one of the best directors in the business at the moment. With stellar performances from the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Oscar Isaac, and Villeneuve's direction, Dune was a massive success. The film passed the $400 million mark at the worldwide box office and was highly praised by both critics and fans.
Update September 2, 2023: This article has been updated following the delay of Dune: Part Two.
Luckily for fans, there is a lot more to come. With the sequel set to release in early 2024, ready to introduce new characters and tell more of the Atreides story, this franchise is at a very important moment. While fans will now have to wait longer for the epic sequel, here's why you should be excited for Dune: Part Two.
The Best is Yet to Come
For years Frank Herbert's Dune saga has proved hard to adapt. Many people have thought of it as unfilmable. However, Villeneuve took on the task and brought fans an adaption that not only worked well on screen but was also loyal to the source material. The fact it was an adequate adaptation alone is a huge accomplishment, but its success has set a high bar for adaptations going forward. Of course, excellent direction and performances made the film so successful. Still, the cinematography from Greig Fraser, which won him an Oscar for Best Cinematography, was also a significant factor in successfully adapting Herbert's work. However, this was only a starting point, and there is a lot more to come in Dune: Part Two.
When it comes to sequels, a bigger and better approach is often taken. But when it comes to Dune: Part Two, this is essential, as there is still so much of the first book to cover and some of the most important moments. Despite the first film being successful, it was obviously difficult to get the adaption right, and the sequel will have had its own difficulties.
The final scene of Dune shows us Paul Atreides looking out over the desert as he travels with the Fremen. Paul sees one of the Fremen riding a sandworm and says, "Desert power," to which Chani replies, "This is only the beginning." The shot was reminiscent of visions Paul had earlier in the film, and it is a perfect place for the sequel to start as many of the visions Paul had will play out in the sequel.
These visions will be very important, and Paul will struggle with them, as we saw in the first film with the holy war vision. These visions, along with the Fremen believing that Paul is the Lisan al-Gaib, will be very influential to Paul's choices in the sequel. We will see him rise within the Fremen ranks while tensions with the Harkonnens rise as well. Dave Bautista has promised Dune: Part Two is much more 'amped up' than the first movie. We can expect an epic battle to unfold, and if the first film is anything to go by, it will look amazing on screen. While the plot will surely be riveting, we will also see more of the world. Costume designer Jacqueline West has teased expanded, visually stunning worlds. More action, lore, and beautiful cinematography are only some of the reasons to be excited for Dune: Part Two.
New Characters
Dune had a star-studded cast, and the sequel looks to continue that tradition with some major additions. Austin Butler, hot off his Academy Award nomination in Elvis, is set to play Feyd-Rautha, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen's nephew and heir. He will be one of the film's main antagonists and will play a pivotal part in Paul's story. Feyd-Rautha and Paul share a lot of similar traits and are both heirs to Arrakis. They are like two sides of the same coin. Seeing Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler go toe to toe as enemies should make for an interesting spectacle.
Another exciting addition is Florence Pugh, who has praised co-stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Austin Butler. Pugh will play Princess Irulan. This is interesting because while Princess Irulan is an essential figure in the first book, she has a limited role. Given that Pugh is one of the best actors around at the moment, we may see her involved much more than Princess Irulan is in the first book. However, as the series continues, Princess Irulan becomes an even more important character. So, could Pugh's casting in this role be a hint at future projects? And how far into Frank Herbert's universe will Villeneuve go?
The legendary Christopher Walker will play Shaddam IV, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe. Léa Seydoux will play Lady Margot, a Bene Gesserit and a close friend and advisor to the Emperor. Tim Blake Nelson has been cast in an undisclosed role. The new cast members are worthy additions.
Trilogy and Spin-Off
Villeneuve has already hinted at the possibility of adapting Dune Messiah, Herbert's second book in the series. This could be the best decision for the franchise, allowing them to tell the Atreides story in more depth. Committing to a trilogy might get Frank Herbert's books right. There is also a prequel series in the works at HBO, Dune: The Sisterhood, which will focus on the Bene Gesserit.
In the movie world, there seem to be tons of different cinematic universes at the moment. Warner Bros. really loves big epic franchises with dense lore and world-building, as they are expanding Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones. Dune would fit right at home with the company's plans.
A New Sci-Fi Franchise
Dune shattered expectations when it opened in theaters in October 2021. Released as many moviegoers were still hesitant to return to the theaters, the movie was one of Warner Bros. Project Popcorn releases that saw it released on HBO Max and in theaters on the same day. This certainly impacted the film's overall box office, yet what is impressive is that the movie did manage to do well at the box office and was one of only two WB films that year to cross $100 million, the other being Godzilla vs. Kong. This meant Dune was a bigger hit than the Will Smith-led King Richard or the DC superhero film The Suicide Squad.
Dune: Part Two was one of the most anticipated movies of 2023, and many were disappointed Warner Bros. Discovery delayed the release to March 2024. The November release date gave it a good run through the holiday season like the first film, but this time with a theatrically exclusive window. Dune: Part Two could also fill the gap left by Star Wars and Avatar as the big sci-fi franchise films for the holiday season.
Yet now, its 2024 release date makes it one of the first big event movies of the year, allowing it to kick off the year in a good way. If the studios continue to hold out on coming to a fair agreement with the actors and writers, this will delay many other projects, and Dune: Part Two might be one of the few major offerings at the start of next year. Audiences will certainly want to see the massive spectacle of Dune: Part Two on a big screen.
Dune: Part Two is set to open on March 15, 2024.