“Dune: Part Two Sells Out on Imax Screens, CEO Richard Gelfond Reveals”
The highly anticipated sequel, “Dune: Part Two,” has taken the world by storm, selling out on Imax screens during its opening weekend. Richard Gelfond, the CEO of Imax, made this exciting announcement during an investors conference. The film, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, opened to a staggering $82.5 million in North America alone, making it the biggest start of the year so far and doubling the success of its predecessor.
Gelfond revealed that “Dune: Part Two” was shown on 809 Imax screens worldwide and generated an impressive $32.2 million in global box office revenue. This accounts for a significant 18 percent share of the film’s total earnings. The movie’s success is a major win for Legendary Entertainment, as it expands the audience for its “Dune” franchise. It also marks the largest opening to date for both Villeneuve and Chalamet.
One of the factors contributing to the film’s triumph is the decision to shoot part of it using Imax cameras. Gelfond highlighted this collaboration between Villeneuve and Imax, stating, “So one in five people in the world decided to see Dune 2 on Imax, and I think people haven’t paid enough attention.” This demonstrates the growing preference among cinema-goers for premium formats such as Imax.
Gelfond also discussed the impact of Imax screenings on Hollywood tentpole films. He referred to the experience with “Mission: Impossible 7,” which initially lost momentum after being taken off Imax screens. This served as a wake-up call for Hollywood studios, prompting them to prioritize securing an Imax release early on. Gelfond explained, “Otherwise we’re going to come up short.” As a result, Imax’s summer 2025 release schedule is already finalized, reflecting the industry’s recognition of the global demand for premium cinematic experiences.
In addition to his insights on the film industry, Gelfond touched on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI). While Imax is not directly involved in AI product sales or employing AI experts, Gelfond acknowledged the potential benefits of AI in their operations. He stated, “I know it’s a cliche, everyone uses it to drive their stock price, but we could benefit a lot of ways from AI.” Gelfond emphasized that AI tools have already brought significant efficiencies to Imax’s business operations.
The success of “Dune: Part Two” on Imax screens has undoubtedly captured the attention of both audiences and industry professionals. With its record-breaking opening and the growing preference for premium formats, it is clear that Imax continues to play a vital role in the cinematic landscape. As Hollywood studios increasingly prioritize Imax releases and audiences seek out immersive experiences, the future looks bright for both Imax and the film industry as a whole.