Hollywood is eagerly awaiting the theatrical release of Warner Bros. film Dune: Part Two this weekend, in hopes of reviving the industry after a slow start to the year.
Anticipated Box Office Hit
Originally scheduled for a fall release and postponed due to strikes, Dune: Part Two is set to become the first major domestic box office success of 2024. Warner Bros. Discovery’s Wonka, which has been in theaters since December, is the only other significant release contributing to ticket sales this year.
Slow Start for Domestic Box Office
Despite a few releases like Paramount’s Bob Marley: One Love and Mean Girls, domestic ticket sales for 2024 are down by 18% compared to the same period last year, totaling $866.4 million through Feb. 25. For context, total sales during the same period in 2023, before the strikes, were $1.06 billion.
Positive Outlook for Dune: Part Two
Critics and fans are eagerly anticipating the premiere of Dune: Part Two, with strong reviews boosting expectations for a successful opening weekend. Warner Bros. projects a $65 million debut, but some analysts foresee even higher numbers.
Upcoming Releases
In addition to Dune: Part Two, several other films are set to hit theaters in March. Titles include Lionsgate’s Imaginary and Arthur The King, Universal Pictures’ Kung Fu Panda 4, as well as Warner Bros.’ Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Hollywood is looking towards these releases to bring back audiences and revenue after a slower-than-usual start to the year.
