Early word on Dune: Part Three is strong. Variety's Clayton Davis reports the reaction from the film's first small-group screenings has been “very positive,” according to World of Reel. The film opens in theaters on December 18.
World of Reel says the screenings were held in late September, and that a source connected to Warner Bros. who saw an internal screening in August said the room was “blown away.” Jason Momoa, who plays Duncan Idaho, praised Timothée Chalamet: “Maybe some of the best stuff I've seen anyone do – ever.” The August screening was a rough cut running over three hours, per the same report. Movie Insider lists a running time of 165 minutes.
Denis Villeneuve directs from a script he co-wrote with Brian K. Vaughan, adapting Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah. The story is set 12 years after Part Two, with Paul Atreides as emperor facing threats inside and outside his palace, according to Backstage. Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Florence Pugh, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin and Jason Momoa return, and Robert Pattinson joins as Scytale.
Tickets for IMAX 70mm and other premium formats went on sale August 18, alongside a new trailer, according to Gizmodo. “Dune Insiders” screenings are set for December 14 in 70mm IMAX, December 15 in other IMAX theaters and December 17 in other premium formats. The film opens the same day as Avengers: Doomsday.