Dune: Part Two — release date, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Dune sequel

Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya on the Dune: Part Two poster
(Image credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Moviegoers are getting to return to Arrakis and the rest of the galaxy in 2024 with Dune: Part Two. The highly anticipated sequel to the critically-acclaimed blockbuster sci-fi movie Dune is sure to be one of the biggest of the year, with Frank Herbert's famous sci-fi novel expected to get an epic big-screen conclusion.

Just about all the major players from 2021's Dune are back for the sequel, including director Denis Villeneuve and stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and more, as well as some big additions playing major characters.

Dune made more than $400 million worldwide and won six Oscars (out of 10 total nominations), so that's a lot for the sequel to live up to.

Here's everything that we know right now about Dune: Part Two.

Dune: Part Two release date

Dune: Part Two is just weeks away, premiering March 1 worldwide. Tickets are available to buy right now, as is the popcorn bucket that is causing a stir on the internet.

The movie is going to be playing in IMAX if you want to see the action in the premium format.

Also, if by chance you missed 2021's Dune, it is being re-released in movie theaters ahead of its sequel. Check Fandango to see if it is playing near you.

Dune: Part Two reviews

What to Watch's Dune: Part Two review is in and spoiler, we loved it. Read the full review to find out why.

Other reviews for Dune: Part Two are now available, with the movie already "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 97% "Fresh" as of February 26.

Dune: Part Two cast

Dune was certainly not lacking in star power, but Dune: Part Two may have raised the bar with its additions to the cast.

First off, Timothée Chalamet continues to lead the way as Paul Atreides, the young man forced into leadership and having to come to grips with his destiny. Also returning are Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Javier Bardem as Stilgar, Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck, Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Harkonnen, Dave Bautista as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen, Charlotte Rampling as Reverend Mother Mohiam and Stephen McKinnley Henderson as Thufir Hawat.

The new Dune cast members include Austin Butler (Elvis) as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Florence Pugh (Don't Worry Darling) as Princess Irulan Corrino, Léa Seydoux (No Time to Die) as Lady Margot, Souheila Yacoub (No Man's Land) as Shishakli, Christopher Walken (Outlaws) as Emperor Shaddam IV and Tim Blake Nelson (O Brother, Where Art Thou?) in an unspecified role.

And in a major surprise, Variety is reporting that there's been another cast member revealed just weeks before the movie's release: Anya Taylor-Johnson is going to appear in Dune: Part Two. Her role is being kept secret, but reports are that it is a major character in the franchise.

Dune: Part Two plot

After the events of the first movie introduced us to the players and saw the Harkonnen's strike first against the Atreides, it comes down to Paul to unite a group of people who can get revenge and save the universe. Here is the official synopsis:

"This follow-up film will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee."

If you need a quick (very quick) recap on the first Dune, check out this 40 second recap from Warner Bros.

Dune: Part Two trailer

The wait for Dune: Part Two has been a long one, but we've had the benefit of some great trailers to help. In addition to the first that previewed an almost unrecognizable Austin Butler and an epic three-minute trailer that introduced Christopher Walken's emperor, a third trailer focuses more on the figure that Chalament's Paul is becoming in the story 

Watch all the trailers directly below:

As 2021's Dune returns to movie theaters for a short run February 9, Warner Bros. has also shared the sneak peek at the sequel playing in front of the movie online. Watch right here:

Dune: Part Two photos & poster

Check out the first photos and poster from Dune: Part Two right here:

Denis Villeneuve movies

Director Denis Villeneuve has become a very respected figure in Hollywood. Not only did he earn praise for his handling of the first Dune movie, but he has been at the helm of some of the most heralded movies of the last decade or so. Here is a look at his complete filmography: 

  • August 32nd on Earth (1998)
  • Maelstrom (2000)
  • Happiness Bound (2007)
  • Polytechnique (2009)
  • Incendies (2010)
  • Prisoners (2013)
  • Enemy (2013)
  • Sicario (2015)
  • Arrival (2016)
  • Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
  • Dune (2021)

How to watch Dune

If you're looking to catch up with Dune before the sequel comes out, you can stream it on HBO Max; it is also available via digital on-demand. 

Also, if you’re interested, you can watch David Lynch's version of Dune from 1984 for free on Tubi or Amazon Freevee.

Michael Balderston

Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge!, Silence of the Lambs, Children of Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars. On the TV side he enjoys Only Murders in the Building, Yellowstone, The Boys, Game of Thrones and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun. Follow on Letterboxd.