The director supports Warner Bros. decision and states that Covid-19 is the biggest enemy
Denis Villeneuve, known for directing Enemy and the current director of Dune, is supportive of the movie releasing on theatres and HBO Max. This is the second adaptation of Frank Herbert’s critically acclaimed 1965 novel. The first movie was released in 1984 and directed by David Lynch, and became a cult classic.
The screenplay for the 2021 movie is by Jon Spaihts, Villeneuve, and Eric Roth. The movie boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, and Jason Momoa. The movie received rave reviews when it premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. It’s official theatrical release is on October 22, 2021, in the United States. In addition, it will release on HBO Max on the same date as well.
Why Villneuve supported WB’s decision
Dune was originally scheduled to release on November 20, 2020. The Covid-19 outbreak pushed it further back. While that couldn’t be avoided, things turned sour when WB announced that Dune will release simultaneously on HBO Max where it will be available for one month.
Villaneuve opposed this decision, saying it will harm the film financially. The cast members also stood by him and argued against the multi-platform release. But now, Villeneuve has decided to support their decision as he no longer wants to delay the movie any further.
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Recent theatre hits
Movies like Candyman, Free Guy, and Shang-Chi are recent theatre-only releases that became massive hits. Shang-Chi has grossed over $257.6 million and proved that audiences are more than willing to return to theatres.
But this raises questions on why WB still wants a day-and-date release. Then again, Covid-19 cases could rise any time, and hence WB is doing the right thing by playing it safe.
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