A sandworm popcorn bucket designed for the upcoming Dune 2 film has caused a stir online, drawing a mixed response from director Denis Villeneuve. The sandworms of Arrakis, a central element in the Dune universe, have captivated audiences with their epic presence on the big screen.
The popcorn bucket, featuring a cover designed to resemble the gaping maw of a sandworm, quickly went viral, eliciting a range of reactions from fans and critics alike. While some found humor in the quirky design, others questioned its appropriateness for a serious sci-fi epic like Dune.
In a recent interview, Villeneuve expressed his surprise at the popcorn bucket, stating, 'When I saw it, I went, “Hoooooly smokes.” What the [expletive]!? At the same time, it created a lot of fun online. So maybe it’s positive? It’s some kind of … impressive design.'
Adapting Frank Herbert's dense and intricate Dune novel series for the screen has long been a challenge for filmmakers, given its complex narrative and world-building. Marketing a film like Dune, which lacks traditional blockbuster elements, presents its own set of hurdles.
Unlike franchises such as Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Dune does not feature a plethora of marketable alien creatures or colorful characters. The sandworms, with their imposing presence, have emerged as a key visual element that could potentially attract a broader audience to the film.
Despite appearing on screen for a mere 90 seconds in Dune: Part One, the sandworms have become a focal point in the marketing campaign for Dune 2. The decision to create a popcorn bucket with a sandworm mouth cover, while initially met with skepticism, has garnered significant attention and online buzz.
Warner Bros. and the film's marketing team seem to have succeeded in generating interest and anticipation for Dune 2, with early box office projections indicating a strong opening weekend performance. The film is expected to gross between $60-80 million, signaling a promising start for the highly-anticipated sequel.
As audiences await the release of Dune 2, the unconventional sandworm popcorn bucket continues to spark conversation and intrigue, adding a touch of whimsy to the marketing campaign of this ambitious sci-fi epic.
