2024 - Dune 2: release date, story, casting, images... everything you need to know about the 2024 blockbuster

It is undoubtedly THE blockbuster of the year 2024. The sequel to Dune is soon arriving on cinema screens, and spectators are eagerly preparing to plunge back into the heart of the open war between Paul and the Fremens on one side, and the formidable Harkonnens on the other.

Release date, story, production, casting, images… Here’s what you need to know about Dune: Part Two.

The film’s story

Released in 2021, the first Dune had been a relative critical and public success ($400 million at the worldwide box office), and had initiated the return of the great spectacle to the cinema after the Covid pandemic.

Denis Villeneuve’s film is adapted from Dune Cycle by novelist Frank Herbert, published from 1965 and considered a science fiction masterpiece. Herbert’s original cycle consisted of 6 novels, but the Dune universe has since expanded into multiple works, which opens the door to a possible franchise for Warner.

The story of Dune takes place in the future, when interstellar travel is now possible. In the first film, the Atreides family is assigned by the Emperor to the regency of the planet Arrakis (nicknamed Dune), the only place where the Spice, a precious substance allowing the improvement of psychic and physical abilities, is found.

But the Atreides find themselves attacked and almost decimated by the rival Harkonnen family. The only survivors of their dynasty, young Paul and his mother Jessica must then ally themselves with the indigenous people of Arrakis, the Fremen mystics.

Advertising, your content continues below

Dune: Part Two is a direct sequel to the first opus. Here is the official synopsis: “Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen to lead the revolt against the Harkonnen family and those who destroyed his family. Haunted by dark premonitions, he finds himself confronted with the greatest of dilemmas: choosing between the love of his life and the destiny of the universe..

Who is in charge of Dune 2 ?

This sequel sees the return of the technical team from the first film. Dune: Part Two is thus co-written by Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Blade Runner 2049, Dune) and Jon Spaihts (Doctor Strange, Prometheus) and directed by Villeneuve. Screenwriter Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, The Last of Us) also collaborated on the writing.

The talented Greig Fraser (The Batman, Rogue One) returns to the direction of photography, and the music is once again signed by Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight, Interstellar, The Lion King).

What release date?

The filming of Dune: Part Two took place from July to December 2022 between Italy, Hungary, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

This Dune 2 was originally announced for release in theaters on November 1, 2023, but the massive strike in Hollywood forced Warner to postpone its release. The film is now scheduled to hit theaters on February 28, 2024 in France, and March 1 in the United States.

Note that Denis Villeneuve announced that he had completed the script for a potential Dune 3adapted from the novel The Messiah of Dune. If nothing is official yet, rumors indicate that if the second part is successful, Warner would like to launch production of this third film as soon as possible, for release in 2027. To be continued.

What casting for Dune 2 ?

Dune: Part Two sees the return of a large part of the cast from the first opus, including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem and Stellan Skarsgård.

However, new actors join the adventure, including Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler and the Frenchwoman Léa Seydoux. Find the non-exhaustive cast of the film below.