If you’re anxious for that hit of spice, it’s going to have to wait a few more weeks. Warner Bros. has delayed Denis Villeneuve’s Dune a third time, but not quite as far as the others. The anticipated sci-fi epic will move from October 1st to October 22nd.
Dune is based on the groundbreaking novel by Frank Herbert, previously adapted into (I think) a woeful 1984 film.
Villeneuve’s version stars Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Dave Bautista, and more. It was originally due to open in November 2020, then was moved to December 2020. The emergence of COVID-19 force a longer delay to October 1st 2021.
While no reason was given for the move, it’s possible WB wanted to keep it away from James Bond film No Time to Die, which opens on October 8th. Prospects for Dune are high as audiences begin their return to theaters. WB has had more success than most with Godzilla vs. Kong, Mortal Kombat, and The Conjuring 3.
On the other hand, WB has faced criticism for their blanket decision to release their films in theaters and HBO Max simultaneously. Villeneuve and Legendary have lobbied hard for Dune to be theater exclusive, but that doesn’t seem to be happening. On such a niche property as this, it could have a serious impact on the box office just as we saw recently with In the Heights.
