After the spectacle known as “Dune: Part One” hit the screens in 2021, director Denis Villeneuve has returned to create another smashingly successful movie. On opening weekend, the sequel “Dune: Part Two” made an astonishing $82.5 million in the U.S. and $182.5 million globally, surpassing the $41 million made in the U.S. and $87.5 million made globally from the first movie of the franchise. “Dune: Part Two” made more money in its second weekend than the 2021 movie made when it was originally released. The massive success of the recent film’s release begs the question: will we “Dune” lovers perhaps be getting a third and final movie of the irrefutably mind-blowing series?
The motion picture film, released on March 1, 2024, follows Paul Atreides, the young prophet who has teamed up with the native Fremen and whose fortitude and wisdom inspires them to rebel against the brutal Harkonnens that once enslaved them. Paul’s position as the “Lisan al Gaib” allows him to foresee the future and use his religious power over the Fremen to help him destroy those who brought about the downfall of his father and the House Atreides in the first movie.
Containing stars like Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, and, of course, Timothée Chalamet, the science fiction film has blown away original expectations. While movie sequels are often deemed inferior to the first, many agree that “Dune: Part Two” was arguably better than the 2021 movie. The increase in action, delving deeper into the world of Arrakis and the religion of the Fremen, and the addition of characters were all integral aspects of the film that increased its likability.
Between the Bene Gesserit’s seemingly ancient dialect, environmental issues, and intergalactic politics that can expand or pauperize a world, Frank Herbert’s novel and now the adapted movies are, without a doubt, ones that will require multiple viewings. However, while these films may be considered esoteric and appear inscrutable, once you watch the movie a few times, you’ll better comprehend the complex material. And, of course, reading the original novel ”Dune” by Frank Herbert is also highly recommended; both movies are covered in the first book, so really, it’s the price of two for one!
Denis Villeneuve’s ambiguous end to the movie has even further probed fans to beg for one more film in the epic franchise. The director admitted recently that the screenplay is currently in the works for “Dune: Messiah,” in a conference with the South Korean Press: “The screenplay is almost finished but it is not finished. It will take a little time…There’s a dream of making a third movie…it would make absolute sense to me.” With the spontaneous success the second movie has experienced, it is highly feasible that fans will receive another film.
Excitement and elation are already major feelings as a result of this movie as the world anticipates the next. The story of Paul Atreides is not over yet.
