Dune: Part Two Surpasses the First Part at the Box Office, Becoming 2024’s Highest-Grossing Movie (so far)

It has often been a case where the sequel doesn’t perform as well as the original film. But “Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” breaks this stereotype by becoming 2024’s highest-grossing movie and surpassing the original film “Dune” at the box office. “Dune: Part Two” secures its two significant triumphs as it’s not only the highly praised sci-fi blockbuster of 2024, but now it also is the biggest-earning title of the year.

According to SlashFilm, Dune’s sequel enjoyed a solid return during its third weekend in theaters, notching $28.5 million domestically. The film even left behind Kung Fu Panda 4, which remained in second place. 

Dune: Part Two’s box office collection surpasses its prequel

“Dune: Part Two” marked its global release on March 1, 2024. Following its release, the film has reached the half-billion mark at the international box office, earning $501 million less than three weeks into its box-office run. The film has made nearly $205 million across North American theaters and $295 million worldwide.

The sequel has even surpassed its predecessor, Dune, which was also a mega-hit. Released in 2021, Dune earned $434.8 million against its $165 million budget. Meanwhile, its sequel, “Dune: Part Two,” was made on a $190 million budget, and it’s already making high profit from it. Apart from its whopping box-office collection, the film also boasts higher scores on Rotten Tomatoes than its prequel, with a 92% critical rating and 95% audience score compared to Dune‘s 83% critical rating and 90% audience score.

“Dune: Part Two” is the second of a two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert. The film follows the tale of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) as he unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen. The sequel features an ensemble cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem reprising their roles from the first film, with Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, and Souheila Yacoub. 

The film’s prequel garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, won six of them, and took home a Golden Globe. Considering the critical and commercial success of its sequel, Dune: Part Two had a lot to live up to. 

The film’s success is majorly credited to its visionary director, Denis Villeneuve. The filmmaker has received widespread praise for his vision, including from Hollywood’s iconic filmmaker Christopher Nolan, who compared it to “Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back.” Nolan recently won his first Academy Award for Best Director for his 2023 film “Oppenheimer,” which dominated the Oscars 2024 by winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture.