Moviegoers can finally enjoy the sequel to 2021’s “Dune” when “Dune: Part 2” releases in theaters March 1. Viewers and fans have waited over two years to return to the eerie and majestic world of “Dune” for the next thrilling installment of Paul Atreides’s story.

From award-winning Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, “Dune” was a dramatic plunge into the complex universe of author Frank Herbert. Renowned for its grand and artistic cinematography, the first movie wove a tense tale of political disarray and deadly plots on the planet Dune. The movie ended with the deaths of beloved characters such as Oscar Issac’s Duke Leto and Jason Momoa’s Duncan Idaho, and the tentative safety of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) in the desert land of the planet Arrakis. 

“I'm looking forward to how the story and world evolve from the first movie,” said Aris Howsepian, junior. “‘Dune 1’ was very focused on world-building and setting the stage for massive events. I hope that the second film can deliver on all of the hype that the first film built up.”

Viewers eagerly anticipated the continuation of the Dune saga, especially after the Hollywood WGA/SAG-AFTRA writers and actors strike added a four month delay to the original November release date. “This is the first blockbuster of 2024,” said Howsepian. “Since it was delayed by the SAG/AFTRA strike, the anticipation is even more tangible. This movie will set the standard for this year's major films, so I'm expecting it to set the bar high.”

“It's very exciting to see the catch up from the WGA/SAG-AFTRA strikes,” said Ella Hachee, senior. “I am most excited for the different content ‘Dune’ brings to the screen. Although it is a major franchise, it is separate from the other big players so I hope it will be successful to prove that fresh ideas still sell.”

“I read ‘Dune’ over the past summer for the first time. I enjoyed the unique sci-fi setting and integration of theology and philosophy with the powers Paul Atreides has as a Messiah figure,” said Dylan Arant, junior. Arant said that reading Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel granted him a greater appreciation for how Villeneuve adapted the text into film.

Villeneuve certainly captured the essence of Herbert’s story, and movie-goers are in for an epic experience whether they have read the source material or not. “I thought the cinematic rendition of the first movie really captured some of these philosophical and theological elements with the visuals and soundtrack,” said Arant. “I look forward to see how the movie further develops these ideas!”

Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson and Florence Pugh alongside a large international celebrity cast, “Dune: Part 2” will have a lengthy runtime of two hours, 46 minutes. Ready to return to Arrakis? Find a theater on Fri., March 1, and settle in for an epic conclusion!

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