Dune: Part 2 might not be hitting theaters as initially scheduled. The sequel to the 2021 film could be pushed back to a 2024 release date due to the SAG-AFTRA actors strike. In addition to that, Warner Bros. is already considering delaying Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom as well.
It's no secret that the first Dune film was one of the projects that was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially planned for a 2020 release, Warner Bros. had to delay the project to a later date, even going as far as streaming it on HBO Max on the same day as its theatrical debut. Since then, Denis Villeneuve was determined to release the sequel exclusively in cinemas.
However, it looks like COVID-19 isn't the reason why Dune: Part 2 will be delayed. According to Variety, Warner Bros. is considering a 2024 release date for the sequel as well as the DC sequel Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom because of the actors' strike. If the delay pushes through, both films will hit theaters late next year.
But why delay films that are already complete and don't need to be shot? The strike means that actors are not allowed to film or promote projects that are being released. There is a possibility that Warner Bros. is afraid that both Dune 2 and Aquaman 2 will not be promoted properly and end up failing at the box office. Since both movies are from well-earning franchises, it's a risk that the studio isn't ready to take.
For now, Warner Bros. has not yet announced the delay but we will be waiting for new updates in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Dune: Part 2 is still expected to premiere on November 3, 2023. Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is also scheduled to hit theaters on December 20, 2023.
