Dune: Part 2 is expected to begin filming in July 2022, well ahead of its 2023 premiere date. Denis Villeneuve's version of Frank Herbert's iconic sci-fi novel Dune finally debuted in theaters and on HBO Max mere weeks ago, and it has swiftly proven itself to be the adaptation fans have long been waiting for. As chosen one Paul Atreides, Timothée Chalamet leads a star-studded cast that also includes Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, and Zendaya. Dune opened to a solid $41 million and has already grossed $330.4 million worldwide at the time of this writing.
Even before it premiered, Villeneuve's Dune was notable because of his decision to split the hefty novel into two parts. Villeneuve explained this was so he could properly explore the expansive world Herbert created, which has often been a difficult thing for previous adaptations to master. Dune: Part 2 wasn't a guarantee when the first movie arrived, but the positive reviews, solid box office numbers, and impressive streaming performance paved the way for a greenlight mere days after Dune's release. Warner Bros. confirmed Dune: Part 2 will arrive in theaters in October 2023, much to the delight of fans.
Though two years feels like a long ways away right now, it isn't that much of a gap when compared to other big screen franchises. Perhaps making things even better is the fact that Dune's creative team already has a production start date in mind. According to journalist Josh Encinias, one of Dune's producers confirmed at a Q&A session that Part 2 is slated to begin filming on July 18, 2022. Assuming production will last until late 2022, that should give Villeneuve and co. plenty of time to complete the movie ahead of October 2023.
Warner Bros. didn't allow for Dune: Part 1 and Part 2 to shoot back to back, but Villeneuve didn't remain idle while waiting for the sequel to get approved. Villeneuve confirmed earlier this year that he was working on the script for Dune: Part 2, and while it might not be finished just yet, the creative team must feel confident that it can be completed by the middle of next year. The next few months will likely bring some casting announcements as new characters are added.
This is exciting news for anyone who left Dune eager to find out what happens next. Villeneuve has promised Dune: Part 2 will contain more action than the first movie and even described it as a cinematic party. Fans who have read Herbert's books know what to expect, but for everyone else, it will be an exciting surprise. Dune: Part 2 is moving quickly now, which just shows how much of a success the first part has been. Here's hoping that July date holds so audiences won't have to wait too long to find out what happens to Paul and the rest.
Source: Josh Encinias/Twitter
