Dune 2 Director Denis Villeneuve Believes Cinemas Will Never Die But Blames 1 Reason for its Decline and That’s Not Netflix
When Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Dune debuted in 2021, Warner Bros. made the controversial decision to release it simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. Villeneuve sharply criticized the move, arguing it showed “no love for cinema” and was purely financially motivated. Despite this rocky start, Dune succeeded with $402 million globally. Now, with the sequel Dune: Part Two arriving in 2024, Villeneuve believes movie theaters will endure recent challenges.
Despite critical acclaim and commercial success topping $400 million, its hybrid release strategy stirred controversy. Now, with the sequel Dune: Part Two due in 2024, Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal 1965 novel continues the story of Paul Atreides and the planet Arrakis.
What’s Denis Villeneuve’s Stance on Streaming Services?
Tapping an ensemble cast featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, the follow-up promises to build on the visual splendor, world-building, and emotional stakes established in the inaugural chapter. In a new interview, the director asserted his faith that the theatrical experience “is here for good.”
Denis Villeneuve noted that “There’s always an adjustment, but the river still keeps flowing. The theatrical experience is here for good. It will prevail, it will transform.”
When Warner Bros. opted for a hybrid theatrical/streaming release strategy in 2021, Denis Villeneuve blasted the decision as showing “no love for cinema” and sacrificing films to boost HBO Max. With Dune: Part Two getting an exclusive theatrical run, his perspective seems unchanged. Part of Villeneuve’s objection to streaming ties into his views on creative freedom.
He told Time,
“We’re in a very conservative time; creativity is restricted,” he added. “Everything’s about Wall Street. What will save cinema is freedom and taking risks. And you feel the audience is excited when they see something they haven’t seen before.”
So, while the director acknowledges that services like Netflix have disrupted film distribution models, he traces issues for creativity and theaters more to Wall Street’s influence. As long as studios support visionary projects, moviegoing can reclaim its vital place in popular culture.
What Gives Denis Villeneuve Confidence About Dune: Part Two?
Beyond principle, Villeneuve has practical reasons to anticipate success for his sci-fi sequel. Pre-sales for Dune: Part Two already topped $1 million in countries like France shortly after the sequel was announced.
And Villeneuve considers the follow-up a qualitative leap from the first chapter. He described the new film as having “something more alive in it” with more intense emotions. While not claiming the sequel is perfect, Villeneuve said he feels “much more happy with ‘Part Two’ than I was with ‘Part One.’”
That sentiment echoes buzz from early screenings that have wowed critics. So both Villeneuve’s creative growth and a built-in fanbase could drive Dune: Part Two to outearn its predecessor solely in theaters.
Also Read: Dune 2: Every New Character That Must Be Introduced In The New Movie
If the sequel draws crowds commensurate with reviews, it may bolster Villeneuve’s conviction that there’s no substitute for the big screen, whatever the latest streaming or social media trend. For now, the director is “counting the days” until the film opens on March 1, 2024.
