The much-anticipated sequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, ‘Dune: Part Two,’ has once again shifted its release date. The new date for this science fiction spectacle is set for March 1, 2024, as reported by Variety. Entering the March cinema landscape, it will face competition from the animated feature Kung Fu Panda 4 and Blumhouse’s horror movie, Imaginary.
Originally planned for release last month, ‘Dune: Part Two’ has experienced several schedule changes. It was delayed most recently to March 15 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, which has now been resolved. This postponement was to ensure the film’s prominent cast, including stars like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, could fully engage in promotional activities. With the strike’s conclusion, the film is gearing up once more for its marketing campaign.
What’s Next in ‘Dune: Part Two’?
The sequel will continue adapting Frank Herbert’s iconic 1965 novel, Dune, focusing on its latter half. Following the first movie’s events, where the Harkonnens ousted House Atreides from the spice-abundant planet Arrakis, murdering Duke Leto (played by Oscar Isaac) and displacing his wife Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) and son Paul (Chalamet), the story resumes. In ‘Dune: Part Two,’ Paul and Jessica find refuge among Arakkis’s Fremen, a tribe of desert nomads. Under the guidance of Fremen leader Stilgar (Javier Bardem), Paul aims to fulfill his destiny as the Fremen’s prophesied savior, Muad’Dib. The film will follow his journey as he reunites with ally Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin), amasses a force to challenge the Harkonnens, and deepens his bond with Fremen warrior Chani (Zendaya). The Harkonnens, under Baron Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) and Rabban (Dave Bautista), are prepared to fiercely defend their power. New characters like Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), and Princess Irulan (Pugh) will also be introduced.
The journey through the Dune universe doesn’t end with ‘Dune: Part Two.’ Villeneuve has plans to adapt Herbert’s sequel, Dune: Messiah. Additionally, a prequel series, ‘Dune: Prophecy,’ focusing on the Bene Gesserit sisterhood’s origins, is in development by Max and is expected to release next fall.
Mark your calendars for March 1, 2024, for ‘Dune: Part Two’s’ arrival in theaters and keep an eye on FilmSweep for more updates.
