'Dune: Part Two' dominates box office with $81.5 million opening weekend

Warner Bros.' latest addition to the sci-fi universe, "Dune: Part Two," has captivated audiences, surging to the summit of the North American box office with a commanding $81.5 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to industry analyst Exhibitor Relations.

Following the enormous success of its predecessor, Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" sequel doubled the first-week gross of the first movie. Thanks to its amazing graphics and captivating plot, the picture has received global praise. It stars a group of top-tier actors, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Jason Momoa, Zendaya, and Timothee Chalamet.

Drawing on Frank Herbert's seminal 1965 book, "Dune: Part Two" immerses audiences in the perilous Arrakis desert, where themes of survival and warfare are enacted against a background of mystery and treachery.

"This is an outstanding opening" analyst David A. Gross said, noting that the movie's international appeal and stellar ensemble were major contributors to its success at the box office.

"Dune: Part Two" soared to prominence faster than other candidates, including Paramount's "Bob Marley: One Love," which came in second place with a meager $7.4 million. The third place, with $3.9 million in ticket sales, was "The Chosen," a faith-based series by Fathom Events and Angel Studios that follows the story of Jesus Christ.

"Ordinary Angels," a moving drama from Lionsgate starring Hilary Swank, arrived at number four with $3.8 million after finding a home with viewers. Rounding out the top five with $3.2 million in sales was Sony's "Madame Web," a spinoff from the "Spider-Man" series starring Dakota Johnson.

A varied selection of films that captivated viewers nationwide was featured in the remaining top 10: "Migration" with $2.5 million, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba" with $2.1 million, "Wonka" with $1.7 million, "Argylle" with $1.4 million, and "The Beekeeper" with $1.1 million. 

Source: AFP