Summer of cinema disappointments: 'Dune 2' dominates box office, VOD

We are already in June, with the first month of the summer season behind us, and "Dune: Part Two" is still the most popular film 2024. Now, the adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel is taking over the VOD market. There are reports that Denis Villeneuve's film has reached a record viewership on the MAX/HBO Max platform.

"Dune: Part Two" premiered at the end of February. It has grossed a total of $712 million in theatres. So far, it is the most prominent Hollywood hit of 2024 in the United States ($282 million) and internationally ($430 million). Interestingly, the film's director is not at all pleased that his film is still at the top of the box-office charts.

Last week, during the Toronto festival, he told journalists: - I'm disappointed to still be number one. ... I hope soon that there will be other successes at the box office. I hope, sooner or later, that this summer box office will be much better. I think we need movies that are theatrical experiences, that will fully embrace the power of the theatre."

So far, the summer season in theatres has been a series of spectacular failures: "The Fall Guy," "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 5," and "Furiosa: Mad Max Saga." The only global hit has been "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes." Unfortunately, it is struggling in theatres in some countries. If hits do not appear in the coming weeks, we will have the worst summer season of this century (excluding the pandemic year).

Low cinema attendance is related to, among other things, the growing popularity and the multitude of streaming platforms. More and more viewers are waiting for a theatrical production to appear on VOD. You don't have to show any particular patience. After three months, a Hollywood film can already be watched at home. Only a few titles (such as the second part of "Dune") will be able to achieve spectacular success both in theatres and on the streaming platform.

Denis Villeneuve's film appeared on the streaming platform Max/HBO Max on May 21 and noted a record viewership within the first week (unfortunately, the service does not provide more detailed information). Since its platform premiere, "Dune: Part Two" has maintained its leading position in all countries around the world.