The much-anticipated sequel to ‘Dune’, titled ‘Dune: Part 2’, is the latest in a series of films to face setbacks due to the Hollywood WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Although the strikes had cast a shadow of doubt over the film’s release, official confirmation came recently that the movie’s premiere is postponed to 2024.
Adding complexity to the situation, many of the ‘Dune: Part 2′ crew members actively participate in these strikes. High-profile cast members, including Zendaya, have also voiced their support. This solidarity means the film’s promotional activities are currently halted, making it one of the many Warner Brothers productions, and indeed other Hollywood films, to experience significant delays.
Previously, The Hollywood Reporter had detailed director Denis Villeneuve’s sequel was set for a November 3, 2023, release in North America, with a global roll-out planned for November 17, 2023. Now, the rescheduled date for the US premiere is March 15, 2024. The date for its international release, however, remains undecided.
In tandem with this decision, the studios Legendary and Warner Brothers have also rescheduled ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’. Originally slated for March 15, 2024, this movie will now entertain audiences on April 12, 2024. Warner Brothers’ animated venture, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim’, has moved its release from April 12, 2024, to December 13, 2024.
Yet, movies like ‘Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom’ and ‘Wonka’ are so far sticking to their original release schedules, despite looming uncertainties.
Interestingly, these delays don’t seem to dampen the spirits of the studios. They’re now aiming to optimize the movie for an IMAX release. The extra time also allows the makers to implement some much-desired modifications and enhancements which they couldn’t incorporate earlier.
‘Dune: Part 2’ will showcase a stellar ensemble cast including Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgard, Dave Bautista, and Charlotte Rampling. Fresh faces like Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux will also be joining the cinematic journey.
Earlier this year, during an American comic-con, Denis Villeneuve delved into details about the sequel. He mentioned, “While ‘Part One’ offered a reflective tone, ‘Part Two’ promises an epic war narrative. Our focus was on introducing new settings, avoiding repetition. All the sets are brand-new.”
