Dune: Part 2 is a massive hit, heralded as one of the best science fiction movies of all time, and blowing away its predecessor at the box office in even just a few weeks. But it seems like Warner Bros. may be poised to make a very, very bad decision when it comes to its streaming release date.
There are a few different reports about this, but they all center around the idea that WB may make Dune: Part 2 hit streaming services anywhere from tomorrow (as reported by online tracker @WhentoStream) or April 14 as international vendors have suggested, which would be the more “standard” 45 day window from theatrical release to VOD that Max has mostly been doing.
Both of these feels way, way too soon, and another example of the streaming era hamstringing the performance of cinematic hits (or would-be hits).
Dune: Part 2 just crossed $600 million at the box office after a month in theaters, and is still coming in at third at the weekend box office even as other blockbusters like Godzilla X Kong have arrived. That $600 million is 50% more than Dune 1’s entire $400 million run, and it’s still got plenty of steam left. Putting it on VOD in the next zero to two weeks feel like it would artificially cripple its run. Presumably the idea is that WB wants to drive more Max subscriptions, but at what cost?
We have seen other films recognize their own success and delay their VOD arrival accordingly. Barbie, for instance, waited many months to come to VOD in order to stretch out its massively successful box office run which ended at $1.4 billion. While Dune: Part 2 certainly won’t climb that high, given it just 4-6 weeks to make the most of its success in theaters would be extremely unwise.
There’s also the more cinematic idea that this is a movie that simply should be seen in theaters, with some of the most sweeping, iconic music, sound design and visuals in genre history. The theater is often a tough sell for people in 2024 due to its cost and chaos, but when you have a movie that plays this well in theaters, that is a “you must go see this” among viewers recommending it to family and friends, you would be smart to keep it there as long as possible.
WB has not confirmed a date for streaming yet, and if it really was tomorrow that would be a surprise. But they have said “spring” which at the latest, would probably be the end of May, which would still be relatively short compared to the long tail it could have. But yes, Dune: Part 2 needs to stay in theaters more than 4-6 weeks, without question.
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Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
