Dune: Part Two has set multiple new records with a huge box office debut for the science fiction space opera.
Starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya amongst a star-studded cast including Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler and more, the Denis Villeneuve-directed Part Two is based on the second half of the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert, and is a follow-up to 2021's Dune.
According to Variety, the sequel has collected $81.5 million in its domestic debut, in the biggest opening weekend of 2024 so far – and the largest since Taylor Swift's concert film The Eras Tour ($93 million).
Including its overseas tally of $97 million, Dune 2 has already made $178.5 million worldwide after one weekend.
Related: Why Dune: Part Two fails to address Dune's biggest issue
Dune: Part Two is also Villeneuve's best US debut ever – and nearly double the opening of the first film at $41 million.
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The sequel follows Chalemet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Freman warrior Chandi as they wage war against the House of Harkonnen.
A third film – though not officially confirmed – is set to be based on Herbert's second novel, Dune: Messiah.
Villeneuve told Digital Spy: "We are in early stages. We are in the right direction. There's a lot of work that has been done, but there's a lot of work that needs to be done in order to have something solid to shoot."
Related: Dune: Part Two ending explained – how does it set up the next movie?
Our review of Dune: Part Two called the film a "near-perfect sci-fi epic".
"This terrific sequel is an unassailable argument for keeping Dune alive on the big screen for a little bit longer," it said.
Dune: Part Two is out now in cinemas.
