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[ManaByte]

WarnerMedia Leadership on ‘Dune: Part 2,’ Discovery Merger Progress and Why ‘Ted Lasso’ Isn’t on HBO Max

WarnerMedia's Jason Kilar, Ann Sarnoff and Andy Forssell discuss HBO Max's growth, a potential sequel to 'Dune' and the Discovery merger.

variety.com

“I’m not breaking news today,” Sarnoff said. But the team is more than happy with the $130 million the film has grossed internationally. Kilar pointed out enthusiastically that the film has yet to open in North America, China, or the U.K.

“We’re really, really happy with where we’re at 14 days in,” he said. Sarnoff did illuminate what factors will determine whether a sequel eventually gets the go-ahead.

“The story in itself sets up for a sequel. The production is so amazing and the storytelling is so compelling that it’s not going to be judged on box office alone,” Sarnoff said, explaining that the green light will be based on “the entirety of what ‘Dune’ can do for the company, including HBO Max.” She also noted that the box office has not fully recovered from the pandemic, which is changing the way the studio is assessing the future box office potential of its movies.

“We’re not doing our ultimates in green lights the way we used to,” Sarnoff said. “You have to kind of consider the circumstance that we’re in now, and project to a more normal circumstance.”

 

[AJUMP23]

We had better get the second half of the book.

 

[V1LÆM]

14 days in? it's only out here today (uk). i'm going to see it tomorrow. don't know WTF it's about but fuck it i'll go see it. i did hear it ends on a kind of cliffhanger or just drops out. so WB better get cracking on Part 2.

 

[SJRB]

If everybody is happy, then what's the hold up?

Get on that shit, Denis. It's gonna take you 2+ years to make it anyway.

 

[Pagusas]

This is just a pre-established marketing line to get more people seeing it.

 

[FunkMiller]

"HBO Max is going pretty damn well so far, so we're happy to spaff out another one of these."

 

[ManaByte]

If everybody is happy, then what's the hold up?

They'll wait for the US premiere to happen just like they did with Wonder Woman 3.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

Get on that shit, Denis. It's gonna take you 2+ years to make it anyway.

That + you need to get everyone in for it, so my guess another 1.5-2 years. to align all the schedules.

 

[ManaByte]

That + you need to get everyone in for it, so my guess another 1.5-2 years. to align all the schedules.

Denis says they'll film next year as soon as they get the green light. Then it'll be an October 2023 release most likely.

 

[SafeOrAlone]

Glad to hear. I loved the movie. It’s a cool version of Star Wars.

 

[TastyPastry]

i think villeneuve might already have gotten an unofficial greenlight. they need to get part 2 out as soon as possible so people haven't completly forgotten part 1 by the time it's out.

 

[ManaByte]

i think villeneuve might already have gotten an unofficial greenlight. they need to get part 2 out as soon as possible so people haven't completly forgotten part 1 by the time it's out.

I think it's official but they haven't announced it to the media yet and won't until after the US release.

 

[Cyberpunkd]

I think it's official but they haven't announced it to the media yet and won't until after the US release.

So basically they are pulling a Capcom?

 

[ranmafan]

Looking forward to WB confirming part 2 hopefully very soon. Part 1 was excellent, and exceeded my expectations. Going to see it again tomorrow night. And people I know that never knew of Dune before I told them about went to the film and the first thing they said is they want to see part 2 now! Great film.

 

[ManaByte]

So basically they are pulling a Capcom?

There's no reason to overshadow the marketing for the US release this weekend with sequel news.

 

[Kabelly]

I know a decent amount of people actually going to see this. Even younger people whom I didn't even expect to care to see it.

 

[poppabk]

There's no reason to overshadow the marketing for the US release this weekend with sequel news.

They'll probably announce once the initial US box office starts to dwindle to try and keep a little extra momentum.

 

[gatti-man]

I am so excited for this movie. Can’t wait to watch it.

 

[AlteredForms]

14 days in? it's only out here today (uk). i'm going to see it tomorrow. don't know WTF it's about but fuck it i'll go see it. i did hear it ends on a kind of cliffhanger or just drops out. so WB better get cracking on Part 2.

I’m watching it too tomorrow. Was contemplating seeing a screening today but my friend bitched out on me. You see a person sporting a dark hoody and mask then that’s me lol.

 

[Xenon]

We had better get the second half of the book.

This. So much this.

 

[Stitch]

14 days in? it's only out here today (uk).

was released over a month ago in many places

Dune: Part One (2021) - Release info - IMDb

Dune: Part One (2021) - Movies, TV, Celebs, and more...

www.imdb.com

 

[Razorback]

I haven't been in a theater since December 2019 but I've already bought Imax tickets to watch Dune this weekend.

 

[Kev Kev]

this movie will be my first dune experience

 

[Kabelly]

Saw it. Nice experience. Of course there will be a 2 (right?).

 

[clarky]

I swear i'll never watch a "part one" of anything by WB again if they don't follow through with this. Got the Champaign on ice ready to go when (if) they announce it.

 

[godhandiscen]

I tried watching it but I fell asleep. It is very slow paced, expected, but I just couldn’t get into it. I will finish it tomorrow.

 

[KingGhidorah]

I'm gonna catch it this weekend before the theatre nearby mandate a vaccine passport

 

[IDKFA]

They really fucked up with this one. They could have filmed this and the sequel back to back, with Dune 2 releasing next year. Could have been this generations Lord of the Rings.

 

[NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt]

Happy about this. I hope the other 2 parts get made with the same director. This movie was amazing

 

[ZehDon]

i think villeneuve might already have gotten an unofficial greenlight. they need to get part 2 out as soon as possible so people haven't completly forgotten part 1 by the time it's out.

Yeah, he went from complaining about HBO Max to towing the line. I suspect he got confirmation of Part 2, and they’re running marketing to drive up viewing from the faithful.

 

[ManaByte]

Happy about this. I hope the other 2 parts get made with the same director. This movie was amazing

One more part, not two. It's just a two part movie like It.

 

[MMaRsu]

Please for the love of god make Part 2 asap

 

[Spukc]

Agreed movie was good

 

[NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt]

One more part, not two. It's just a two part movie like It.

My mistake. It's been a long time since I read the book so I forgot most of the story

 

[Doom85]

They really fucked up with this one. They could have filmed this and the sequel back to back, with Dune 2 releasing next year. Could have been this generations Lord of the Rings.

Probably several actor’s schedules weren’t that flexible not to mention you can’t expect studios to just take that big a financial risk (Matrix 2-3 and Pirates 2-3 were shot simultaneously but they had a successful film prior to them) . Lord of the Rings was the most well sold book of all time at the time after the Bible, so there’s kind of a difference, like yeah the Dune books were popular but not at THAT level.

 

[///PATRIOT]

Just going to see it in about half hour. Looking forward to it.

 

[ManaByte]

Probably several actor’s schedules weren’t that flexible not to mention you can’t expect studios to just take that big a financial risk (Matrix 2-3 and Pirates 2-3 were shot simultaneously but they had a successful film prior to them) . Lord of the Rings was the most well sold book of all time at the time after the Bible, so there’s kind of a difference, like yeah the Dune books were popular but not at THAT level.

LOTR was also the biggest gamble in movie history. New Line bet their entire studio on it. If Fellowship flopped, the studio would've gone away.

 

[dorkimoe]

As awesome as the movie was, if it doesnt get a part 2 its a completely different movie and it fails IMO. It has no end, its all buildup (which is great buildup).

 

[sol_bad]

I swear i'll never watch a "part one" of anything by WB again if they don't follow through with this. Got the Champaign on ice ready to go when (if) they announce it.

Money needs to be made on a risky big budget sci fi film.......

*EDIT*
Ignore me, I misread what you wrote.
But yeah, if this doesn't make 200+ million in America, this is why Hollywood is allergic to original ideas. I'd be trying to get every friend and family member to see it at the cinemas.

 

[Halo is Back]

I'm going with my family this weekend to help bolster sales.

 

[ManaByte]

 

[Yoda]

Seeing it tomorrow in IMAX, I'm told it's really meant to be seen in IMAX vs. any other setup.

 

[prinz_valium]

As awesome as the movie was, if it doesnt get a part 2 its a completely different movie and it fails IMO. It has no end, its all buildup (which is great buildup).

100% agreed.
Imagine no knowing anything about dune and just watching this and not the second part. That has to be unsatisfying

 

[SJRB]

100% agreed.
Imagine no knowing anything about dune and just watching this and not the second part. That has to be unsatisfying

It even very clearly says "PART I" in the title screen of the movie.

Getting only one Dune movie is like only releasing Fellowship of the Ring - straight up bonkers.

Seeing it tomorrow in IMAX, I'm told it's really meant to be seen in IMAX vs. any other setup.

I saw it in regular theatres and was overwhelmed by the visuals and audio. Seeing this on the big screen adds a whole another level.

 

[TheMan]

I'm kind of peeved that they havent' even approved part 2 yet, much less started work. It's gonna take a couple of years at least to get the next installment

 

[ManaByte]

I'm kind of peeved that they havent' even approved part 2 yet, much less started work. It's gonna take a couple of years at least to get the next installment

They've started work. The script is done and they've already done pre-production work. Denis says they're ready to go and start filming next year as soon as they get the official word.

 

[Yoda]

Just got back, easily the best film I've seen in a few years (granted what's been coming out recently hasn't been to great). Other than pacing (can't really fix this as it's faithful to the book) it's an A+.

 

[Sub_Level]

Guys the sequel is happening. This ain't a Pacific Rim situation where diehards had to see the film 3 times to make it break even.

Good movie btw

 

[Pagusas]

Well I did my part and saw it… even though I feel like I won’t get that almost 3 hours of my life back. That was bad, not horribly bad, just not good or great or enjoyable. It was like a monotone pretty painting that lacked a soul and too in love with itself. And the sound mix was worse than the worst Nolan film. Can the world agree now Momoa can’t be given speaking roles?

 

[Spukc]

Well I did my part and saw it… even though I feel like I won’t get that almost 3 hours of my life back. That was bad, not horribly bad, just not good or great or enjoyable. It was like a monotone pretty painting that lacked a soul and too in love with itself. And the sound mix was worse than the worst Nolan film. Can the world agree now Momoa can’t be given speaking roles?

did you like the new blade runner movie?