While the first film kind of set it up, but official confirmations are here and “Dune,” directed by Dennis Villeneuve, is set to get a Part Two, which is scheduled for an October 2023 theatrical release, the Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures confirmed on Tuesday. 

The first “Dune” film opened in cinemas on October 22 and earned a strong $40.1 million in its domestic debut, the biggest of Villeneuve’s career as well as the biggest opening of the year for Warner Bros.  

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“I just received news from Legendary that we are officially moving forward with Dune: Part Two,” Villeneuve said in a statement on Tuesday. “It was a dream of mine to adapt Frank Herbert’s Dune and I have the fans, the cast, and crew, Legendary and Warner Bros. to thank for supporting this dream. This is only the beginning.”

While the 1984 adaptation by David Lynch tried to fit all of Frank Herbert’s 412-page 1965 novel of the same name into one film, Villeneuve was always clear to spread it across two parts.

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“Denis Villeneuve has crafted a film that is both visually extraordinary and emotionally transporting, as evidenced by its global success both critically and at the box office,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman of Warner Bros Picture Group, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “We are thrilled to continue on this journey with Denis and his cast and crew, and our partners at Legendary, and can’t wait to bring the next chapter of this epic tale to theaters in October 2023.” 

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Meanwhile, Legendary Pictures on their official Twitter handle wrote: “This is only the beginning…

Thank you to those who have experienced @dunemovie so far, and those who are going in the days and weeks ahead. We’re excited to continue the journey!”

Hans Zimmer, music composer and producer of the first film, too confirmed his return to the project and quipped, “@DuneMovie: Part Two is moving forward! Thank goodness I have some music left.”  

The first “Dune” film featured a massive star cast extending from Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac to Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa and even Javier Bardem.