Production is underway for Dune: Part Two, the sequel to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning movie based on the sci-fi epic penned by Frank Herbert. The news broke courtesy of the official Dune Twitter account. "We’re rolling," reads the tweet. "Production on Dune: Part Two has begun."Dune was nominated for ten Oscars at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, but walked away with six wins in Best Sound, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Cinematography. The movie also set a pandemic-era box office record, raking in $220 during its opening weekend.
The first film told the story of House Atreides' arrival on Arrakis, a planet of vital import to the Galactic Empire for being the only source of "spice," a substance critical for faster-than-light travel. After former Arrakis fief holder House Harkonnen retakes the planet in a violent military confrontation, Paul Atreides retreats into the planet's vast desert where he befriends the Fremen, natives skilled at surviving in the harsh wastes and fighting for an independent Arrakis. The film ends with Paul suffering visions of a holy war waged through the galaxy in his name.
Part Two will tell the story of the retaking of Arrakis from House Harkonnen and perhaps confirm Paul’s prescience.
Originally set to release in June of this year, production was pushed back resulting in Dune: Part Two now being scheduled for November 17, 2023. The sequel will be a theater exclusive whereas the first movie was also released simultaneously on HBO Max.
Those who can't wait for the sequel can get their Dune fix with a new game that's available right now. Dune: Spice Wars lets players take sides in the conflict for Arrakis, able to choose between House Atreides or Harkonnen, as well as the Fremen and a Smugglers faction. The game launched into early access back in April and just recently received its multiplayer update. A full single-player campaign is expected for Dune: Spice Wars' full launch sometime in 2023.