Dunehas already become one of the biggest success stories of 2021. While box office has been uncertain in the post-COVID era,Dunehas already amassed$300 million worldwide and nearly $60 million domestically. Considering the film’s $165 million budget,Duneneeded to land a stellar opening, but thankfullyfans and criticshave responded positively and ensured that the story will continue. The second part ofDenis Villeneuve’sadaptation ofFrank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel will be unveiled whenDune: Part Twohits theaters on June 12, 2025.
Warner Media isdropping this strategy in 2022. Next year’s Warner Brothers films, includingThe Batman,Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Elvis, Black Adam, The Flash,andAquaman and the Lost Kingdomwill play exclusively in theaters for 45 days before they’re available on HBO Max.
RELATED:‘Dune’: What Is “The Voice”?
The decision was very controversial within the industry.Christopher Nolanfamously lambasted Warner Mediafor not informing filmmakers ahead of the announcement, and called HBO Max the “worst streaming service.” Nolan subsequently ended his long-standing relationship with Warner Brothers and adopteda new deal with Universalwhere the theatrical exclusivity of his future projects was ensured.
Nolan’s preference towards movie theaters is shared by Villeneuve. Heexpressed similar sentimentsin the aftermath of the announcement, and told audiences atDune’s premiere at the Venice International Film Festival that“movies need to be experienced first in theaters.”Villeneuve is getting his wish for the sequel, asDune: Part Twowill play exclusively in theatersfor 45 days before it appears on any streaming services.
HBO Max has not announced any official viewership numbers,but estimates reportthatDuneis outperforming leading titles likeZack Snyder’s Justice League. The analyst firm Samba TV estimates that over 1.9 million households streamedDuneduring its first weekend of release.
However,Dunefans will still be able to watch (or re-watch) the film on HBO Max until August 03, 2025. It is expected that the film will return to the platform at some point in the middle of next year, as other Warner Brothers titles likeGodzilla vs. Kong, In the Heights,andThe Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do Itreturned to the service a few months after they were initially removed.
