The BFI IMAX, the largest screen in the U.K., has made waves by selling 33,000 advance tickets for Dune: Part Three within just 24 hours. This remarkable feat has shattered the previous first-day presale record established by The Odyssey.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the eagerly awaited sci-fi sequel garnered an impressive £880,000 ($1.2 million) in presales, far surpassing the £750,000 ($1 million) in presales achieved by Christopher Nolan’s epic. Rounding out the top three is Dune: Part Two, which achieved only £366k, significantly lower than The Odyssey. Other notable mentions include Oppenheimer with £254k and Avatar: Fire and Ash at £116k.
These figures follow a successful past, with three opening weekend screenings selling out in under an hour last April, alongside two additional previews that quickly sold out earlier this month. The British Film Institute (BFI) will present Villeneuve’s final chapter of the Dune saga on a “pristine” IMAX 70mm print, emphasizing its dedication to preserving and honoring celluloid while working with filmmakers who support this nostalgic format.
As the saga draws to a close with Dune: Part Three, the story is set nearly two decades after the previous film. Paul Atreides, played by Timothee Chalamet, must navigate the fallout of his reign, facing returning allies, daunting new threats, and lurking betrayals.
Tormented by visions of an Imperial downfall and the return of Chani (Zendaya), Paul finds himself entrenched in vast conspiracies, with his long-lost love central to the unfolding drama. As enemies close in, he must confront the inherent costs of power and consider the fate of those he holds dear. The film features a stellar cast, including Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, Anya Taylor-Joy, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin.
The BFI IMAX previously achieved its highest-ever opening weekend revenue with The Odyssey earlier this year. The venue led both the U.K. and international IMAX markets from July 17-19, bringing in a box office of £219,867 ($296,147) from a single screen—the largest opening weekend result of any IMAX venue in both the U.K. and abroad.
Villeneuve seems poised to exceed this success when Dune: Part Three is released at theaters, including the BFI IMAX, on December 18.
