Denis Villeneuve is “disappointed” Dune 2 is still number one in box office

dune 2020
Dune 2 director is “disappointed” over box office Chiabella James - Warner Bros.

Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuve has said he's "disappointed" that the film is still number one at the box office.

The sequel, which is based on the second half of the novel Dune by Frank Herbert, has grossed a staggering $711.8 million globally since its debut in March, firmly positioning it as the biggest movie of 2024 so far.

Despite the sci-fi epic’s box office success, Villeneuve expressed his disappointment over a lacklustre year for the box office in general while speaking at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards.

denis villeneuve
Robert Okine - Getty Images

Related: Dune: Part Two is now available to watch at home

"I think we need movies that are theatrical experiences, that will fully embrace the power of the theatre, and I'm not just talking about Dune 2," he told reporters after receiving the Academy Icon Award (via Yahoo).

"Of course I'm talking about many movies. A movie like Civil War, for instance, is a strong example of a movie that absolutely used the power of the theatre. I was lucky that Part 2 did reach the audience, I wish it would happen more often, honestly."

The filmmaker added: "I'm disappointed to still be number one. I hope soon that there will be other successes at the box office. I hope, sooner or later, that this summer box office will be much better."

stellan skarsgard as baron vladimir, austin butler as feyd rautha harkonnen, dune part two
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Related: Dune 2's Denis Villeneuve responds to Stilgar memes

The second highest-grossing film of 2024 is Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, which has amassed $567m globally, while Kung Fu Panda 4 is currently in third place, making $539m.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is in fourth position, having made $309m, while Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire rounds out the top five with $200.6m.

Despite receiving critical acclaim, George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road prequel Furiosa recently took in a disappointing $25 million across its opening weekend in the US, making it the lowest Memorial Day opening for three decades.

Dune: Part Two is available to buy or rent in the UK from Prime Video, iTunes, Microsoft Store and more.

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