Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has revealed that the success of “Dune” next month, and whether we’ll get the second film adapting the book’s second half, will not only rely on box-office numbers but also on viewership on HBO Max as well.
Speaking with Variety for an extended feature piece, he revealed that initially he wanted to shoot both films simultaneously but it didn’t happen for several reasons. He then says:
“I agreed to the challenge of making part one and then wait to see if the movie rings enough enthusiasm. As I was doing the first part, I really put all my passion into it, in case it would be the only one. But I’m optimistic.”
Indeed Villeneuve can’t wait to get back out and do the second half as much of the story’s world building is done in the first film – allowing for a more experimental and free experience:
“If such a thing as ‘Dune: Part Two’ happens, I will say that it’s going to be an insane playground for me. It’s going to be just like pure cinematic pleasure for the second part.”
So will “Dune: Part Two” happen? According to the trade, Villeneuve’s deal for the simultaneous HBO Max release offers him “assurances that diminished box office revenues won’t prohibit him from having the chance to make his follow-up feature.”
The recent “Mortal Kombat” is seen as a good example of this with other installments set in that universe currently in development. As has been indicated in the past, HBO Max numbers seem to work in tandem with box-office numbers – a hit (eg. “Godzilla vs. Kong”) does well in both areas, a poor performer (eg. “Malignant”) doesn’t do well on both.
Check out a new featurette for the film below, this one focusing on the film’s two young stars Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya.
