'Dune' Films Return to Imax With Exclusive 'Dune: Part 3' Preview

By Elena Vasquez

Denis Villeneuve's two "Dune" films return to Imax theaters on November 13 with an exclusive sneak peek at "Dune: Part 3." The one-night double feature plays Imax screens only on Nov. 13, with additional showtimes of each film running Nov. 14–18.

Warner Bros. and Legendary announced the re-release ahead of the trilogy's finale. "Dune: Part 3" opens in theaters on Dec. 18.

What does the re-release include?

Audiences get two blockbusters plus unreleased material. The Nov. 13 double feature pairs the 2021 original with the 2024 sequel. Each film also screens individually from Nov. 14 through Nov. 18. Both engagements carry the exclusive first look at "Dune: Part 3."

Who stars in 'Dune: Part 3'?

Timothée Chalamet returns as Emperor Paul Atreides, with Zendaya as Chani. The cast also includes Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh and Javier Bardem.

Robert Pattinson joins the franchise as Scytale, a shape-shifting villain who attempts to kill and overthrow Paul Atreides.

Newcomers Nakoa-Wolf Momoa — son of Jason Momoa — and Ida Brooke play Leto II Atreides and Ghanima Atreides, the twin children of Paul and Chani. Anya Taylor-Joy, who appeared in a cameo in "Part 2," returns as Alia Atreides, Paul's younger sister.

"Part 3" jumps ahead 20 years. Paul has conquered most of the universe and faces new threats.

How successful were the first two films?

The numbers are substantial. The 2021 "Dune" earned $411 million worldwide. "Part 2" grew that figure to $715 million in 2024 — a jump of roughly 74 percent, or about $300 million more per installment.

Awards followed the box office. The first film received 10 Oscar nominations and won six: original score, sound, editing, cinematography, production design and visual effects. It was also up for best picture and adapted screenplay. "Part 2" won two Oscars — best sound and visual effects — out of five nominations, which again included best picture.

Why does the November timing matter?

The re-release arrives five weeks before the finale's Dec. 18 opening, giving the studios a five-day Imax window to rebuild audience momentum. For context, the campaign puts both earlier films back on premium screens at a moment when theatrical event releases drive the largest share of Imax revenue.

The takeaway: Warner Bros. and Legendary are treating the Nov. 13 double feature as a launch platform. If the first two films converted six Oscars and $1.13 billion in combined grosses into franchise loyalty, the sneak peek aims to convert that loyalty into opening-weekend tickets for "Dune: Part 3."