When is Dune 2 coming? The first part only tells half the story of the science fiction book. We explain when the sequel starts and what the movie is about
The new Dune film begins with a promise. Even before we really immerse ourselves in the world of the desert planet Arrakis, the four letters of the title appear in the picture. They are not alone: they are accompanied by the unmissable addition that this is only the first part of a larger story.
Dune introduces us to a large world with many different characters and parties. There are power struggles, intrigues and love stories. The comparisons with Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings don’t come from anywhere. It is now certain that the story will continue: here you can find all the important information about Dune 2
When will Dune 2 be released in cinemas?
Dune 2 will be released in German cinemas on March 14, 2024. The film was originally due to be released in November 2023. Due to the screenwriters’ and actors’ strike in Hollywood, the theatrical release was postponed.
Here you can watch the first trailer for Dune 2:
How does Denis Villeneuve’s first Dune film end?
It was clear from the outset that Denis Villeneuve would not be filming the entire book with Dune. The director repeatedly emphasized that Frank Herbert’s science fiction classic was too complex to be squeezed into two hours of cinema. Dune: Part 1 ends in the desert of Arrakis, where Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), join the native Fremen.
What happens next in the story of Dune in Part 2?
The Harkonnen have seized Arrakeen, the largest city on the planet, and almost completely wiped out House Atreides. The second half of Herbert’s novel deals with Paul learning about the world of the Fremen and standing with them against the oppressors. Villeneuve has already confirmed that Chani, played by Zendaya, will have a much larger role in the sequel.
For home cinema: You can buy Dune on Blu-ray and DVD here
How far along is the production of Dune 2?
Dune 2 has been given the green light thanks to convincing box office figures and on the streaming service HBO Max. Filming started in July 2022 and the screenplay was written by Jon Spaihts and director Denis Villeneuve. The sequel is set to focus more on the Harkonnen and thus pick up on an important part of the original that was previously only touched on.
The fact that Dune 2 was given the green light was anything but a matter of course: the Dune franchise was facing major challenges, even though a spin-off, Dune: The Sisterhood, was already in the works before the second part. The first Dune film grossed 400 million US dollars worldwide on a budget of 165 million US dollars. This box office result is bolstered by the HBO Max figures
Who is in the cast of Dune 2?
Some familiar characters return in Dune 2.
Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides
Zendaya as Chani
Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica
Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen
Javier Bardem as Stilgar
Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban
Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck
Stephen McKinley Henderson as Thufir Hawat
Charlotte Rampling as Gaius Helen Mohiam
Three new cast members have also been confirmed.
Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan
Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen
Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV.
Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot
Tim Blake Nelson
In Dune 2, the Emperor appears for the first time after only being mentioned by name in the first part. He is the mastermind behind the scenes and thus also the one who initiated the downfall of House Atreides
(Dune)
How many more Dune books can be made into films?
If Dune and Dune 2 are successful, we could see the birth of a huge franchise. In addition to the spin-off series and the sequel, Villeneuve has already expressed interest in making a third part based on Dune Messiah, Herbert’s second Dune novel. The US author’s saga comprises a total of six volumes.
Dune (1965)
Dune Messiah (1969)
Children of Dune (1976)
God Emperor of Dune (1981)
Heretics of Dune (1984)
Chapterhouse: Dune (1985)
The series was later continued by his son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson with various prequel and sequel series.
Prelude to Dune (three volumes, 1999-2001),
Legends of Dune (three volumes, 2002-2004),
Heroes of Dune (two volumes, 2008-2009),
Great Schools of Dune (three volumes, 2012-2016)
The Caladan Trilogy (three volumes, 2020-2022)
With Hunters of Dune (2006) and Sandworms of Dune (2007), two books have also been published that directly follow Chapterhouse: Dune. So there is still plenty of material that can be used in future Dune films and series.
