Sci-fi marvel Dune Part Two claims top opening weekend post-Barbenheimer

AUCKLAND, Today: Dune: Part Two has outperformed all films since the July 2023 Barbenheimer event, boasting the largest opening weekend.

In its first weekend, the movie earned $ 1.8M in New Zealand, drawing in over 74,000 viewers, primarily males and adults aged 25-54.

Denis Villeneuve’s awaited Dune sequel premiered in New Zealand last Thursday, featuring stars like Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, and matched the Barbenheimer record with its opening.

Globally, Dune: Part Two amassed $ 178 million during its debut weekend, including $ 1.8M from New Zealand, with significant male and P25-54 demographic attendance.

The film, applauded by both critics and audiences, boasts a 93% Rotten Tomatoes critic score and a 95% audience score.

“The release of ‘Dune: Part Two’ marks just the beginning of another stellar year in cinema, with some of the best original and sequel films planned for 2024.”

NZ Sales Director of Val Morgan Cinema, Matt Tremain, commented on the success of the opening weekend.

“Dune: Part Two also received a top A Cinemascore and ranks as the 10th best-reviewed film on IMDB.”

Tremain also stated: “The release of Dune: Part Two marks just the beginning of another stellar year in cinema, with some of the best original and sequel films planned for 2024.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Despicable Me 4, Deadpool & Wolverine, Moana 2, Wicked and Mufasa: The Lion King will offer brands an incredible opportunity to align with what are sure to be some of the biggest cultural moments of the year.”

2024’s biggest blockbusters yet to release

• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – 21 March
• Kung Fu Panda 4 – 28 March
• Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – 28 March
• Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – 23 May
• Inside Out 2 – 13 June
• Despicable Me 4 – 20 June
• Deadpool & Wolverine – 25 July
• Joker: Folie a Deux – 3 October
• Gladiator 2 – 21 November
• Wicked – 28 November
• Moana 2 – 28 November
• Mufasa: The Lion King – 19 December

Source: ^ Numero (excluding preview screenings).