​​In 2021, Dune was a standout success. The franchise was finally given its Star Wars moment, where it was able to give mainstream audiences a glimpse into its world. It was due to have its sequel out in 2023, but partially due to the strikes that pushed Hollywood to a standstill, the film was put back despite being complete.

Currently, the film is set to be released on March 1, 2024, according to director Denis Villeneuve. The sequel will see the return of Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, and Javier Bardem as Stilgar, among others. Notably, Villeneuve has promised a significant expansion of Zendaya’s role in the sequel, who was only a minor player in the original. The cast is further enriched with the addition of renowned actors like Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and Léa Seydoux, portraying pivotal characters that intensify the plot and drama. Walken will play Emperor Shaddam IV, Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino, Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, and Seydoux as Lady Margot.

“Dune: Part Two” will delve deeper into the mythic journey of Paul Atreides, who, along with Chani and the Fremen, embarks on a path of vengeance against those who destroyed his family. It will explore the intricate dynamics of love, power, and the fate of the universe as Paul grapples with choices that could alter the future. This part of the story is expected to feature epic showdowns and breathtaking scenes, including Chalamet’s character riding the colossal sandworms – a defining image of the Dune saga.

The trailers for “Dune: Part Two” have already come out and seem to be filled with the same stunning visuals and grandeur of the first film. This isn’t going to be the end of the franchise either, as a third film is all but confirmed, although Villeneuve has indicated that the film will not be his next project, so the third installation will probably not be for a few more years.

Release Date: March 1, 2024

What Are The Chances of it Being Good

Pretty good. Villeneuve hasn’t made a bad film yet, so it’s hard to imagine he’ll make a bad one here. Of course, audience expectation is higher this time around; more people are interested in a Dune film than there were in 2021, so these raised expectations might lead to more divided audiences. It’s unlikely it’ll be an award winner as second parts of trilogies rarely do well there, but in general, “Dune: Part Two” looks likely to be one of the standout movies of 2024.