In 2023, audiences will be able to see Dune: Part Two and once again visit Arrakis and the remaining parts of the galaxy. The climax to Frank Herbert’s iconic science fiction book is set to be epic on the big screen, making the eagerly awaited continuation to the critically acclaimed film Dune one of the biggest new movies of 2023.
Director Denis Villeneuve and actors Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and others return for the sequel, and the cast also has some significant new recruits playing key roles. The first Dune earned over $400 million worldwide and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, so naturally, expectations are high for the sequel. Here is the current state of knowledge on Dune 2.
Dune 2 Release Date
The release date of Dune Part 2 has been pushed back from November 2023 to March 15th, 2024. The film was initially set to debut on November 3, 2023, but Warner Bros. moved it forward from earlier dates of October 20 and November 17. Let’s hope the scheduled release date holds, but if the strike continues, anything might happen.
The original film was also made available on HBO’s Max streaming platform on the same day it was launched in theaters in the United States, but the sequel will only be shown in theaters throughout the country. Due to the Hollywood strikes, the original release date of November 2023 had to be pushed back.
Unlike earlier delays, this one requires agreement from both Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment, the film’s other producer. Both studios ultimately agreed to the postponement, despite reports that Legendary wasn’t consulted about the potential change at initially.
Dune 2 Cast
Dune 2 has an ensemble cast led by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, as well as many other returning actors and actresses and many newcomers. These include significant characters from the first film including Rebecca Ferguson, Stellan Skarsgard, and Dave Bautista. Austin Butler, who starred in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, has joined the cast of Dune 2 as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, and Florence Pugh, who played Princess Irulan Corrino in the first film, has joined the cast as well. The great Christopher Walken will also be included in the role of Emperor Shaddam IV, which is significant news.
The official cast of Dune 2:
- Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
- Zendaya as Chani
- Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
- Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
- Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
- Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
- Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat
- Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot
- Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban
- Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV
- Javier Bardem as Stilgar
- Souheila Yacoub as Shishakli
- Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen
- Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam
Dune 2 Plot
Harkonnen’s initial blow on the Atreides family was established in the first film, and now it is up to Paul to rally an army to exact his vengeance and preserve the galaxy. The official plot summary is as follows:
This sequel film will follow Paul Atreides on his legendary quest to avenge his family’s murder at the hands of a cabal of Fremen and Chani. He tries to stop a dreadful future that only he can see, but it means choosing between the love of his life and the destiny of the known universe.
Dune 2 Trailer
Early in the month of May, the first Dune 2 trailer was released, and on June 29, 2023, the second trailer was released. Paul rides a sandworm, and we get good glances at Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), and Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler). Moreover, the promotional materials for Dune 2 reveal that there will be scenes in black and white, presumably flashbacks. Exciting!
The absence of Alia, Paul’s sister, stands out, however. She was born into the Fremen shortly after Paul and Jessica had joined the group, and she has incredible abilities in the books. We’re beginning to wonder whether she’ll even be in the film since there’s been no evidence of her so far.
Dune: Will there be Part 3?
The potential for a Dune 3 sequel is high. The official sequel to Frank Herbert’s Dune is called Dune Messiah, and it comes after the events of Dune: Part Two. Denis Villeneuve has been vocal about his interest in making a third Dune film.
Telling Collider in 2022, “Now I could envision a third movie and make the adaptation of Dune Messiah that will complete Paul Atreides’s story that I think would make sense,” he elaborated on his plans for a possible third film. The problem is that I can only handle one of those monster flicks at a time. If I make it through the events of Dune 2, I just could be the Anointed One. My mind starts to wander and I start to feel exhausted. Simply said, that’s excessive. To be really honest, I can only effectively work on one thing at a time. However, in Part Three, we shall… I’m checking that Stage Three is realistic.”
Conclusion
Perhaps the most anticipated movie of the year, Dune 2 has been delayed due to the strikes. A small number of performers have shown growing frustration with the strike. With renewed talks between writers’ unions and studios, the strikes may finish sooner than expected. On March 15, 2024, moviegoers will be able to see Dune Part 2.