After a very long wait, Dune hit theaters in the fall of 2021 to both rave reviews and big box office. This was despite bowing on HBO Max at the same time as its theatrical debut. But Dune was really just Dune: Part One. The first film only covered the first half of Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 novel. Luckily, Dune: Part Two was officially announced on October 26, 2021.
For those eager to see more of the Dune universe, Dune: Part Two is now in theaters. And if you go see it, you’ll certainly be in good company. According to Variety, after only 10 days in theaters, Dune: Part Two surpassed the entire North American box office run of the first Dune movie. Of course, the original Dune movie released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max due to the pandemic. And so, its numbers cannot be fully compared to those of Dune: Part Two. Still, even accounting for the disparity in releases, it’s an impressive figure for Dune: Part Two.
Additionally, Dune: Part Two is expected to reach $500 million internationally by Monday, March 18. Variety notes that number is “a figure that few films have reached in post-pandemic times.” Currently, Dune: Part Two also stands as the highest-grossing movie of 2024, domestically and internationally.
Here’s the spoiler-free version of everything there is to know about Dune: Part Two.
Title
The official name of the movie is Dune: Part Two.
Dune: Part Two‘s Plot
The official plot synopsis from Warner Bros. and Legendary for Dune: Part Two reads as follows:
This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
If you’re a fan of Frank Herbert’s Dune, this all sounds like a pretty faithful adaptation of the second half of his novel. And unlike David Lynch’s 1984 version of Dune, this packed second half will now have time to breathe. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see elements of the later Dune novels pop up a wee bit early.
For now, we can enjoy Dune: Part Two‘s first trailer, which highlight a crucial book scene: Paul riding on a sandworm.
The second trailer for the film shows more of Paul and Chani and the Fremen’s fight.
The chief takeaway is that Dune: Part Two is both a love story and a war movie, and we can expect both parts to shine.
Dune: Part Two‘s Cast
Almost the entire original cast from Dune is back for Dune: Part Two. At least if their character survived, that is. This includes Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, the “ Kwisatz Haderach,” and Zendaya as his Fremen paramour Chani. Javier Bardem also returns as Chani’s father, Fremen leader Stilgar. Paul’s very pregnant mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) also returns for Dune: Part Two. Josh Brolin is back as Paul’s mentor Gurney Halleck, as is Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat, the loyal Mentat to House Atreides.
Stellan Skarsgård reprises his role as the sadistic Baron Harkonnen, as does Dave Bautista as the Baron’s loyal lackey and nephew Glossu Rabban. Charlotte Rampling’s character, the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother, is also slated to return. New cast members include Florence Pugh (Princess Irulan) Austin Butler (Feyd Rautha), and Christopher Walken (Emperor Shadddam IV). They are joined by Léa Seydoux (Lady Margot) and Souheila Yacoub as the Fremen warrior Shishakli.
Of course, certain major characters died in the first film, and are not scheduled to appear in Dune: Part Two. These include Jason Momoa as Duncan Idaho and Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides. But there could be surprise flashbacks. So don’t count them all out just yet. We may yet see them on the sands of Arrakis.
Behind the Scenes
Just as he was for Dune, director Denis Villeneuve is back behind the camera for Dune: Part Two. Jon Spaihts wrote the script for the second chapter of the story. Hans Zimmer also returned to score the sequel.
Dune: Part Two‘s Release Date
Dune: Part Two hit theaters on March 1, 2024. It released in IMAX 70 mm as well as in IMAX and normal theatrical formats.
Originally published on August 1, 2022.
Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.