Is Dunesday finished? Would a new release date truly rescue Avengers: Doomsday or Dune: Part Three?

      Hollywood constantly pursues popular trends, from cinematic universes and live-action remakes to, more recently, double features. Yet, it appears that Marvel Studios may refrain from the latter for one of its superhero films. Insider John Campea reported that Marvel is contemplating shifting the release date of Avengers: Doomsday, mentioning that “very non-committable discussions have taken place.” This update implies that the movie might premiere on the same day as Dune: Part Three, potentially burying the “Dunesday” double feature.

      It's still too early to confirm the validity of this information. The announcement follows Jumanji 3's successful decision to move its release date from December 11 to December 25, a week after Dunesday. Campea speculated that Marvel could adjust Doomsday's launch to December 11 to utilize IMAX screens initially reserved for Jumanji 3 before they are occupied by Dune: Part Three.

      It remains uncertain if Avengers: Doomsday or Dune: Part Three will achieve the extraordinary success similar to the “Barbenheimer” double feature, which saw both Barbie and Oppenheimer earn around $2.1 billion globally after their simultaneous releases. Dunesday could replicate that success, featuring two high-budget films from esteemed directors with star-studded casts.

      As a long-time fan of both Marvel and Dune, I am thrilled at the prospect of seeing both films in theaters and hope for a double feature. However, I question whether separate releases might benefit both films.

      Can Marvel and Dune avoid being overshadowed by Dunesday?

      Marvel Studios / Marvel Studios

      Despite both being massive film franchises, it seems more likely that Avengers: Doomsday would outperform Dune: Part Three at the box office if released together. According to a study from Greenlight Analytics shared by Screen Rant, audiences have expressed greater awareness and interest in Avengers: Doomsday compared to Dune: Part Three. The study indicated that 50% of respondents were keen to see Doomsday in theaters on its opening weekend, while 38% preferred Dune: Part Three.

      The heightened interest in Avengers: Doomsday is not surprising. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is known for its humorous tone, even in darker films like Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. This approach appeals to a wide range of audiences, contributing to its immense success. Given Dune: Part Three's more mature tone and the long-standing popularity of the MCU, it is likely that Avengers: Doomsday would draw a larger audience and generate higher box office earnings.

      Marvel Studios / Marvel Studios

      Additionally, Avengers: Doomsday aims to be the largest superhero film ever by bringing together notable figures from both comics and Hollywood. We will see Oscar-winner Robert Downey Jr. return as the iconic villain, Doctor Doom, alongside beloved Avengers like Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth).

      Furthermore, Avengers: Doomsday will feature the X-Men and the Fantastic Four in a long-awaited crossover with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. One might think that Dune: Part Three would stand to gain more by not having to compete with the wave of popular heroes and villains that Marvel will introduce in this film.

      However, recent years have shown that superhero fatigue is a genuine concern. Many of Marvel's recent offerings, including Eternals, Captain America: Brave New World, and The Marvels, have been more divisive and less profitable than earlier films released before Avengers: Endgame. The return of Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans in Avengers: Doomsday suggests a reliance on nostalgia to win back audiences.

      Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

      While fewer viewers are attending Marvel movies in theaters, more original, director-driven films like Sinners, Weapons, and Marty Supreme have emerged and succeeded at the box office. The Dune trilogy, adapted from novels that began in the 1960s, shares some similarities with many Marvel films. Nevertheless, Denis Villeneuve’s interpretation feels distinct from typical blockbusters, and the franchise has gained popularity following the first two films directed by Villeneuve.

      The first Dune movie barely broke even in 2021, but Dune: Part Two, released post-pandemic with a more engaging plot, saw its popularity soar, earning substantial revenue and acclaim. At this rate, Dune 3 could reach over $1 billion at the box office, positioning it as a formidable contender against Avengers: Doomsday.

      The upcoming Avengers film will also need to achieve significant box office success to recover its enormous production costs and marketing expenditures. Depending on its overall execution, even with its extensive star cast and iconic characters, Doomsday might find it challenging to break even if it competes directly with Dune: Part Three.

      Dunesday could potentially benefit both films.

      Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures

      If Dunesday