Dune Part 2 has been delayed again, but that might be a good thing

Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson as Paul Atreides and Lady Jessica in Dune
The sequel to 2020's Dune won't be out in theaters this year after all. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)

It's time to put those Arrakis holiday plans on ice, everyone, because Dune Part 2's release as been delayed.

Per Variety, one of 2023's hottest new movies has had its launch date pushed back by four months. Dune 2 was due out in theaters on November 3 but, as a result of the ongoing writers and actors strikes, Warner Bros. has moved Dune Part 2 to March 15, 2024.

Anticipation levels had been rising for Dune 2 in the months leading up to its late 2023 launch. In May, the film's first trailer teased thrills, sci-fi spills, and Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides riding one of the franchise's iconic sandworms. Two months later, the movie's official trailer – which you can view below – delivered even more spectacular visuals, tension-fuelled action, and high-stakes drama.

Unfortunately, the wait for Denis Villeneuve's next big-budget sci-fi extravaganza has been extended in the wake of its delay. So, if you were holding out for Dune Part 2's arrival before the end of the year, you'll have to reset your hype levels.

Warner Bros' deserting of its November 2023 launch for Dune 2 all but confirms the film won't make its streaming debut before the year is over, too. It was unlikely to join Max's movie library before December 31 rolled around anyway. But the movie's delay means you shouldn't expect it land on one of the world's best streaming services (in the US, at least) ahead of 2024. UK and Australian fans won't be able to watch it in the comfort of their own homes on Now TV or Binge, either.

Shifting sands that might be a blessing in disguise

A cloaked Paul Atreides stands on the left side of an official image for Dune Part 2

Dune Part 2's delayed release might be a good thing. (Image credit: Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Dune Part 2's theatrical delay was on the cards as soon as the actors strike began on July 14. Six days after Hollywood's stars joined its writers on the picket line over working conditions, the threat of artificial intelligence, and other industry issues, Variety suggested Dune 2 might not make its November 3 launch. 

Unfortunately, that's now come to pass. The second Dune film joins the likes of Sony Pictures' Kraven the Hunter and Ghostbusters: Afterlife in being moved out of their late 2023 release date slots. Upon that announcement, we suggested you should prepare for more bad news regarding movie delays, and we've been proven right.

But Dune Part 2's launch delay could be a blessing in disguise. The final two months of 2023 were looking stacked from a release slate perspective. Other big hitters including The Marvels, Aquaman 2, Wonka, The Hunger Games prequel, Wish, and Napoleon are all set for release between November 10 and December 20. One less tentpole movie gives those other films room to breathe, and means audiences don't have to dither over which ones they'll spend their hard-earned cash on.

Yes, it's disappointing that Dune Part 2 won't land in theaters in early November. But, depending on how long the strikes last for, its arrival in March 2024 may end being the right move, especially if new movie releases are few and far between once the industrial action ends. With little in the way of confirmed film launches set for March 2024, too, Dune 2 might have the freedom of the theatrical space to dominate the box office during the early part of the year, too.

You might also like

Senior Entertainment Reporter

As TechRadar's senior entertainment reporter, Tom covers all of the latest movies, TV shows, and streaming service news that you need to know about. You'll regularly find him writing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many other topics of interest.

An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Tom also writes reviews, analytical articles, opinion pieces, and interview-led features on the biggest franchises, actors, directors and other industry leaders. You may see his quotes pop up in the odd official Marvel Studios video, too, such as this Moon Knight TV spot.

Away from work, Tom can be found checking out the latest video games, immersing himself in his favorite sporting pastime of football, reading the many unread books on his shelf, staying fit at the gym, and petting every dog he comes across. Got a scoop, interesting story, or an intriguing angle on the latest news in entertainment? Feel free to drop him a line.

Read more
Peter Parker swings through New York wearing his Future Foundation suit in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
6 big entertainment stories you missed over the 2024 holiday season: The Batman Part 2 delayed again, The Night Agent season 2 trailer, and more
George and Kathryn staring at each other in Black Bag
New movies: the most exciting films coming to theaters in March and beyond
Mad Max
Dune: Part Two has just been added to Netflix - here are 3 other gripping sci-fi movies with over 87% on Rotten Tomatoes
A screenshot of the official poster for James Gunn's Superman movie, which shows the titular hero flying into the sky
DCU Chapter One: every upcoming DC movie and TV show plus known release dates
A collage image of Tom Holland's Spider-Man looking annoyed and Christopher Nolan holding an Oscar
Spider-Man 4's release date has been pushed back – and the Marvel movie's delay is all Christopher Nolan's fault
Peter Parker swings through New York wearing his Future Foundation suit in Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
'It took the time that it took': Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man producers explain why it's taken so long for the Marvel TV show to be released on Disney Plus
Latest in Streaming
Trinity Rodman #2 of the Washington Spirit crosses the ball during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field on November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.
National Women's Soccer League 2025: How to watch NWSL games live from anywhere
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
The cast of The Parenting
The Parenting is Max's #1 most-watched movie but it has frightening reviews – here are 3 better horror films with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso pointing at someone in Ted Lasso season 2
Believe it, baby: Ted Lasso season 4 is officially in development for Apple TV+ and Jason Sudeikis will reprise his role as the titular soccer coach
Irish boxer TJ Doheny receives an undercard bout, ahead of the WBO super welterweight world title fight in March, 2023
Ball vs Doheny live stream: how to watch the boxing action from anywhere
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock