Denis Villeneuve’s long-awaited big screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epicDunewas able to land the top spot at this weekend’s box office. The big screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi novel took in $40.1 million over the weekend, which is right on track with initial estimates. The $40.1 million debut is also Warner Bros.' largest opening of the pandemic era, beating out previous record holderGodzilla vs. Kong($30.1 million). Overseas, whereDunehas been out in some markets for months, has gathered just over $180 million, bringing the global total to $220.7 million. Villeneuve’s goal from the start has been to make a second installment to tell the whole story, though it is unclear if that will happen at this time, due to the somewhat muted response at the box office.
Dunecost over $165 million to produce, including an aggressive marketing campaign, so the box office will play a major factor in whether or not Denis Villeneuve is able to accomplish his vision for a second installment. In addition to theaters, the movie is alsocurrently streaming on HBO Max, which means that the streaming numbers will also have to be impressive for Warner Bros. to consider throwing another $150 million towards a sequel. WarnerMedia chair Ann Sarnoff said plans for the sequel will be based on “the entirety of whatDunecan do for the company, including HBO Max.” However, Sarnoff maintains that a sequel will not hinge entirely on revenue, stating that the storytelling is “compelling” enough on its own.
Elsewhere at the weekend box office,Halloween Killsfell to number two with $14.5 million. Since debuting in theaters last week, the horror sequel has earned $90.9 million, despitenegative reviewsfrom long-time fans of the franchise and critics.No Time to Dietook the third position with $11.8 million, bringing its global total to $525.6 million. Sony’sVenom: Let There be Carnagecame in at number four after earning $9.1 million. As of this writing, the sequel has earned $352.4 million globally.
Computer-animated science fiction comedyRon’s Gone Wrongdebuted at number five this weekend after taking in $7.3 million. The movie, which features the voices of Zach Galifianakis, Jack Dylan Grazer, Ed Helms, Justice Smith, Rob Delaney, Kylie Cantrall, Ricardo Hurtado, and Olivia Colman, has been receiving praise from critics and viewers.The Addams Family 2fell to number six with $4.3 million. To date, thecomputer-animated family moviehas earned $71.3 million globally since debuting in theaters four weeks ago.The Last Dueltook the seventh position with $2.1 million.
Marvel Studios’Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringscame in at number eight this weekend after bringing in $2 million. The latest installment from the MCU has earned $416.4 million globally and has many Marvel fans excited forEternals, which opens in theaters next month. The latest from Wes Anderson,The French Dispatch, debuted at number nine with $1.3 million, whileFree Guylanded the tenth spot with $258K. You can check out the rest of this weekend’sbox officedata over atThe Numbers.
• 1.Dune- $40.1 Million
• 2.Halloween Kills- $14.5 Million
• 3.No Time to Die- $11.8 Million
• 4.Venom: Let There be Carnage- $9.1 Million
• 5.Ron’s Gone Wrong- $7.3 Million
• 6.The Addams Family 2- $4.3 Million
• 7.The Last Duel- $2.1 Million
• 8.Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings- $2 Million
