Almost every blockbuster film from 2020 was delayed at some point due to COVID. So, it’s not unique that Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” was a victim of release date juggling, which saw the sci-fi epic’s original release date of November 2020 turn into December 2020, then finally October 1, 2021. But for some reason, each delay for “Dune” hits a bit harder, as it is easily one of the most anticipated films of the year. And now, it appears Warner Bros. is delaying it once again.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. has delayed the release date for “Dune” from October 1 to October 22. Not the worst delay in history, but still three weeks feels like an eternity when this film was supposed to be on the big screen last fall. No reason was given for the delay, but the move did affect the release dates of a couple of other films.
“The Many Saints of Newark,” the long-awaited ‘Sopranos’ prequel film, moved from September 24 to October 1, taking over “Dune’s” old spot. And then you have Clint Eastwood’s next film, “Cry Macho,” which is moving ahead a month to September 17 after “Dune” took its October 22 date. So for whatever reason, it’s “Dune” that is causing the problems.
And when you think about it, the release date juggling is a bit confusing considering “Dune” will almost assuredly be ready to go by October. This is because the film is not only expected to have its world premiere at Venice in early September, but it will also screen on IMAX for the Toronto International Film Festival later in that month. So, if the delays are in any way related to Villeneuve needing more time to finish the feature, you would have to assume it means rough cuts will be shown at the festival. And that’s unlikely.
So, why the delay? Honestly, purely speculating here, but it’s likely a smart business decision because of James Bond. You see, on October 8, you have “No Time to Die” arriving in theaters, which would have been less than a week after “Dune.” Considering WB has high hopes for “Dune” to spawn a franchise, and WarnerMedia is already crippling the box office potential by releasing it on HBO Max day-and-date, it makes sense that the studio would give 007 a bit of breathing room before trying to launch another franchise.
READ MORE: Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ Confirmed For A Venice Film Festival Debut
That said, the fall is quite stacked already, with “Halloween Kills” arriving on October 15 and expected to be a box office beast. And on October 22, the same date as “Dune,” you have both “Last Night in Soho” from Edgar Wright and “The French Dispatch” from Wes Anderson hitting theaters. Oh and let’s not forget Marvel Studios’ “Eternals” hitting theaters on November 5, two weeks after “Dune.”
Ultimately, it’s incredibly crowded this fall and it doesn’t appear that “Dune” (or any blockbuster outside of Marvel Studios’ film) has a clear shot at domination. We’ll just have to wait and see.