‘Dune: Part Two’ director Denis Villeneuve shared his thoughts on the movie’s success at the box office.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the Academy Icon Award at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, Villeneuve said that Hollywood should create more movies that fully use the power of the theater. He praised Alex Garland’s movie ‘Civil War’ as an example, saying:
“I think we need movies that are theatrical experiences, that will fully embrace the power of the theater, and I’m not just talking about ‘Dune 2.’ Of course I’m talking about many movies. A movie like ‘Civil War,’ for instance, is a strong example of a movie that absolutely used the power of the theater.”
‘Civil War’ earned $113.9 million at the box office and is A24’s second highest-grossing film ever.
He Wants More Movies To Reach That Point
Villeneuve said he feels lucky that ‘Dune: Part Two’ did so well, but he wishes it happened more often with other movies. He hopes there will be more box office successes soon, and that the summer box office will improve:
“I was lucky that ‘Part Two’ did reach the audience, I wish it would happen more often, honestly. I’m disappointed to still be number one. … I hope soon that there will be other successes at the box office. I hope, sooner or later, that this summer box office will be much better.”
‘Dune: Part Two’ is currently the biggest movie of 2024, but Villeneuve is disappointed that there aren’t more box office hits this year. He wants to see more movies made to be experienced in theaters, not just his own.
The Summer Box Office Started Slow
Movies like ‘IF’ and ‘Furiosa: A Max Mad Saga’ didn’t meet expectations despite heavy marketing and star-studded casts. Many box office analysts believe that Marvel Studios’ ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ will boost the summer movie season. It already broke ticket sales records and is expected to have a strong opening weekend.
Villeneuve is also working with Legendary on a third Dune movie called ‘Dune: Messiah.’ It’s based on Frank Herbert’s second novel. He said he won’t start production until they have a strong screenplay because he wants to avoid rushing it.
‘Dune: Prophecy’ is a prequel spinoff series set to premiere on Max this fall. This series takes place 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ rise and follows two Harkonnen sisters who fight forces that threaten humanity and establish the Bene Gesserit.
