Key Takeaways
* Denis Villeneuve might reconsider directing Dune 3 if Warner Bros. insists on early streaming.
* Dune: Part Two has been phenomenally successful, grossing over $626 million globally.
* The potential Dune: Messiah, the third installment, might be delayed due to disagreements between Villeneuve and Warner Bros.
Acclaimed director, Denis Villeneuve, who famously showed his disapproval for simultaneous digital and theatre release of Dune, seems discontent with Warner Bros. plans. The production giant is aiming to launch Dune: Part Two on streaming platforms post the mandatory 45-day theatre running period. This move, aimed for April 15th, 2024, threatens to cast a shadow on Villeneuve's aspiration to create a Dune trilogy.
Box Office Triumph Defies Streaming Plans
According to Box Office Mojo, Dune: Part Two has raked in an impressive $252.4 million domestically and $373.7 million internationally. Clearly, the film's pulling power shows no sign of diminishing. Warner Bros.'s digital release plans may disrupt the ongoing success.
Denis Villeneuve's steadfast belief in cinema's future residing on the big screen collides with Warner Bros. objective of reaping benefits from both streaming and theatrical markets. Villeneuve has argued, “I strongly believe the future of cinema will be on the big screen, no matter what any Wall Street dilettante says.”
Growing Rift between Villeneuve and Warner Bros.
The director's stance is vindicated by Dune: Part Two's outstanding performance since its global release on March 1st. Despite a hefty production budget of $195 million, the film has excited audiences and consequently surpassed it, reaching the $626 million mark globally. The controversy over streaming plans jeopardizes the third installment of Dune.
In a previous press conference in South Korea, Villeneuve unveiled that work on the Dune 3 script is already underway. However, he hinted at a possible pause from the Dune universe after back-to-back projects, before returning for the final part of the trilogy. This interval might prove crucial if Warner Bros. persists with its streaming strategy.
Excitement Around Dune 3
Villeneuve shared his ambition of crafting a Dune trilogy and confirmed that the Dune: Messiah screenplay was near completion. His vision resonates with cast members like Zendaya, expressing her willingness to return for a third film. In an interaction with Variety, Zendaya stated, “Any time Denis calls it's a yes from me.”
Co-star Timotheé Chalamet also expressed enthusiasm about a potential third Dune movie, telling Total Film magazine, “If the time and opportunity comes to complete the story with Messiah, I think we're all super enthusiastic about that.”
However, Warner Bros.' decision to prioritize streaming so rapidly after the movie's theatrical release could severely impact these plans. Their prioritization of monetary gains potentially sacrifices the artist's vision and restricts the film's optimum performance in theaters.
As things stand, Dune: Part Two continues to welcome massive audience turnouts in cinemas, while the first part is already available for streaming on HBO Max and Netflix. The fate of Dune 3 now hangs in the balance, with Villeneuve's cinematic dream colliding with Warner Bros.' streaming reality.
