Warner Bros. and Legendary’s “Dune: Part Two” wasted no time in showcasing its potential box office prowess. Directed by Denis Villeneuve and boasting a star-studded cast led by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, the sequel grossed an impressive $12 million in Thursday previews, surpassing its predecessor’s $5.1 million preview earnings from 2021, despite facing challenges from the pandemic and simultaneous release on HBO Max (now known as simply Max).

This robust preview performance marks the strongest showing since “Barbie” brought in $22.3 million in July 2023. Additionally, “Dune 2” is launching in 71 overseas markets this weekend and has seen strong midweek openings in these regions.

Initial tracking suggested a domestic launch of $75 million, with Warners remaining conservative with projections of $65 million domestically and $75 million overseas. However, based on the preview grosses, industry insiders speculate that the sci-fi epic, with a runtime of two hours and 46 minutes, could potentially exceed $90 million or even $100 million domestically by the end of the weekend, though uncertainties remain until Sunday.

With the box office currently lagging behind previous years, cinemas are counting on “Dune 2” to kickstart a wave of blockbuster releases delayed by last year’s labor disputes. Although theatres were initially disappointed by the film’s delayed release, hoping to capitalize on the star power of Chalamet and Zendaya, they are optimistic that the film’s success will outweigh any initial concerns.

The ensemble cast, including newcomers Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken alongside returning stars like Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem, adds to the film’s appeal. Villeneuve’s plans for a third film, “Dune: Messiah,” and Warner Bros.’ spinoff series, “Dune: Prophecy,” scheduled for release on Max later this year, indicate a long-term commitment to expanding the franchise.

While the first “Dune” grossed over $402 million worldwide despite pandemic challenges and streaming releases, expectations are even higher for its follow-up, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the burgeoning franchise’s future success.