“Dune: Part Two” Delayed to 2024, Continuation of Paul Atreides’ Story Scheduled for March 15
The highly anticipated sequel, “Dune: Part Two,” has been delayed to 2024, according to an announcement from Warner Bros. The film, which follows the story of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, will now be released on March 15.
This news comes after reports last month by Variety that the studio had set its sights on a 2024 release date for the sci-fi tentpole. “Dune: Part Two” was co-produced by Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros. Film Group, and both parties had to agree on the new release date.
As part of the schedule shift, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” another film produced by Legendary and Warner Bros., will be moved back one month to April 12. This film is the latest installment in the Monsterverse franchise.
The delay of “Dune” coincides with the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, actors may not participate in press events for struck films, potentially impacting the promotion of “Dune” with its star-studded cast.
Despite the delay, both Warner Bros. and Legendary are confident that the new release window, coinciding with spring break for students and the Easter holiday, will provide ample opportunity for both “Dune: Part Two” and “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” to succeed. IMAX, in particular, does not expect a significant impact on its fall product lineup.
In addition to Timothee Chalamet, “Dune: Part Two” features a star-studded ensemble cast including Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and more.
Warner Bros. is also considering new release dates for other films, including “The Color Purple” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Similarly, Sony has delayed several of its movies amid the strikes, including “Kraven the Hunter,” a “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” sequel, and “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.” Additionally, MGM’s “Challengers,” a tennis drama starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, has also been pushed to next year.