Although streaming theatrical films from home has become something of a norm, director Denis Villenueve recommends seeing his film Dune on the big screen. After all, the new movie is boasted to be one of the biggest and most ambitious science-fiction films of its kind. And considering the international box office numbers and early reviews, it definitely seems to be that way. Unfortunately, it looks like there is some bad news. As it turns out, Dune has reportedly already leaked online a week ahead of its official release date.
The fact that Dune will be available on HBO Max at the same time as its theatrical release date was tricky enough. But seeing a high-quality copy leaked online could be way worse. Indeed, Warner Bros will more than likely be doing their best to track down the leaked copies and shut them down. Especially because a damaged box office intake for Dune could damage the possibilities of getting a sequel.
As revealed via WorldofReel:
“Bad news for Denis Villeneuve and Warner Brothers, ‘Dune,’ one of the most anticipated movies of the year, has leaked online a week before its US release. The source behind the leak seems to be the same person responsible for the leaks of ‘The Guilty’ and ‘The Power of the Dog’ last month.”
Hopefully this doesn’t impact the box office success of Dune too much. The film still has yet to be released in either the United States or China, which are no doubt going to be two of the biggest markets. Hopefully Warner Bros does an excellent job of tracking down the leaked copies and ridding them from the web.
Denis Villenueve directed Dune from a screenplay he wrote with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. The story was based on Frank Herbert’s novel of the same name, with plans for a second film to adapt the rest of the book.
As for those who are interested in seeing Dune on the big screen or on HBO Max, the film is scheduled to be released on October 22, 2021.