Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction masterpiece Dune: Part 2 has had a splendid run at the box office, which is still going strong. Having a stellar cast with an already established fan base in the form of the novel series it is based on, the movie is expected to be a blockbuster.
Yet, following in its wake is the animated movie and fourth sequel to the beloved Kung Fu Panda franchise. While both movies are performing splendidly at the box office, Dune: Part Two’s overall box office grossing till now looks concerning, especially if seen in the light of its clash with the Jack Black starrer animated classic.
Dune: Part Two’s Box-Office Future Looks Concerning
In a world where the box office still seems to be reeling in the aftermaths of the pandemic and an audience who would much rather prefer to stay at home than go to the theatres, Denis Villeneuve‘s Dune franchise seems to be doing wonders.
Back in 2021, the first movie went to open at $41 million even though it was simultaneously released on streaming (via The Numbers). Doing an even more impressive job is its just-released sequel, Dune: Part Two, which opened and collected $82.5 million in North America and $182.5 million globally during its first weekend (via Variety).
Even though it was anticipated that the movie would see a drop of over the mid to high 50s, during its second week at the box office it just saw an impressive fall of 44% (via Rotten Tomatoes). Now having a tally of about $379 million (via The Numbers) against a budget of $190 million and a promotion budget of $100 million (via Variety), the future for the sci-fi fantasy sequel looks bleak.
Its box office contender, Kung Fu Panda 4, not only the biggest box office debut since the first movie but also grossed an impressive $58.3 million in its opening weekend (via Variety). These impressive numbers not only threw Dune 2 off the number one spot domestically but also give a glimpse of what is to come since the movie is yet to be released in major markets across the world including Western Europe, China, etc.
Will Kung Fu Panda 4 be a Tough Competition for Dune: Part Two?
Although Dune: Part Two is already the year’s biggest blockbuster (via Digital Spy), Forbes reckons if the nostalgia factor kicks in the Jack Black-starrer animated film might even come close to the $700 mark upon its worldwide release.
Given the track record of the entire franchise and how impressively each movie has performed all over the world (via The Numbers) along with the largely positive reviews, Kung Fu Panda 4 is expected to be a success regardless of the nostalgia associated with the franchise.
However, as is with every movie, the second week typically sees a decline in the grossing. So even though it might be released in numerous other locations in the coming days, it is unlikely Kung Fu Panda 4 will overtake Dune: Part Two, for the sci-fi flick hardly has any competition in the third week.
Even though it might not cross the $1 billion mark, fans reckon the movie will continue to make money seeing how popular it is (via X). Overall, the two movies are doing exceptionally well and are expected to keep doing the same in the coming weeks, seeing their remarkable fan base and appeal.
Both Dune: Part Two and Kung Fu Panda 4 are in theatres now.
