Dune 2 budget: How much did it cost?

Dune 2 is set to hit cinemas worldwide soon, and thanks to a new report, we now know how much the big-budget sequel cost.

Denis Villeneuve made a creative decision to split Frank Herbert’s novel Dune into two movies so he could cram all that story into his work, with Dune: Part One ending on something of a cliffhanger.

But it was also a business decision, with more movies meaning more box office returns. That gamble only pays off if the films are a success, and Dune: Part One was a bona fide hit in 2021, grossing more than $400 million, from an estimated budget of $165 million.

Sequels frequently cost more than their predecessors, and early word suggests the new movie features even more action, so what was the budget on Dune: Part Two? Read on to find out…

Dune 2 budget: How much did it cost?

According to Variety, Dune: Part Two cost $190 million. Meaning if it makes as much as Dune: Part One, Warner Bros. is in the money.

Part One was also at a disadvantage when it was released, as due to the global shutdown, the movie launched on HBO Max the same day it hit cinemas. Not so with Part Two, which will only be in theaters.

Word-of-mouth is already positive, with Dune: Part Two hailed as “one of the best movies ever made” in early reactions on social media.

Variety’s analysts believe it will be a perfect storm for the film to perform, due to “pent-up demand for a blockbuster, a healthy dose of star power – Austin Butler and Florence Pugh join the already buzzy cast – and a renewed appreciation for Imax.”

Regarding the latter, 50% of Part One’s revenue came from IMAX and Dolby screens – where ticket prices are higher – so expect that to further inflate Part Two’s box office numbers. Meaning Dune 2 has a good shot at outgrossing Dune 1.