It would be fair to say that “Dune: Part Two” is perhaps the biggest cinematic release of the year so far, in terms of anticipation and hype. The film, the follow-up to the acclaimed 2021 “Dune: Part One,” has already received strong early reviews during advance screenings, and the fandom remains relatively positive after the success of Denis Villeneuve’s first outing.
The trepidation regarding that film however fiercely trumps that of the sequel; though Villeneuve is a respected director with features such as “Blade Runner 2049” and “Prisoners” to his name, so was David Lynch - whose torrid time both in Mexico and the editing room led to the 1984 “Dune” to become financially unsuccessful and critically panned. Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, it felt, was going to be one of those books harder to adapt to Hollywood.
But years later and with a huge advancement in special effects, “Dune: Part One” opened to $41 million during its first weekend at the box office, amassing $434 million worldwide and earning strong reviews - in particular to its young cast members Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
“Dune: Part Two” adds Oscar nominee Austin Butler to the House of Harkonnen, joining “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor and former WWE champion Dave Bautista into battle between the warring houses; but who do they play? If you’re new to the “Dune” universe, who are the main characters involved, and what is “spice”?
But years later and with a huge advancement in special effects, “Dune: Part One” opened to $41 million during its first weekend at the box office, amassing $434 million worldwide and earning strong reviews - in particular to its young cast members Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.