, Villeneuve said, “I wanted at the beginning to do the two parts simultaneously. For several reasons, it didn’t happen, and I agreed to the challenge of making part one and then wait to see if the movie rings enough enthusiasm… As I was doing the first part, I really put all my passion into it, in case it would be the only one. But I’m optimistic.
Last winter, “Dune’s” release threatened to be overshadowed by Warner Bros.’s decision to release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max at the same time the movies debuted in cinemas. Legendary threatened legal action and Villeneuve blasted the move, but tensions have since eased, not just with the “Dune” team, but with other artists put off by the Warner Bros. decision.
Warner Bros. Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich was also effusive, saying, “We are thrilled to continue on this journey with Denis and his cast and crew, and our partners at Legendary, and can’t wait to bring the next chapter of this epic tale to theaters in October 2023.” “It was a dream of mine to adapt Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ and I have the fans, the cast, and crew, Legendary and Warner Bros. to thank for supporting this dream,” he said. “This is only the beginning.”