Dune is opening strong, heading towards the highest-grossing opening of any film released under the studio’s simultaneous HBO Max release program. This performance, and a solid overseas debut, could explain why the sequel seems likely to get Warner Bros. the greenlight. Dune earned $17.5 million on its first day at the box office, the best for any HBO Max simultaneous release. Warner Bros. projects the film will reach $33 million over the weekend, but industry analysts project as much as $39 million. Either is enough to surpass Godzilla vs. Kong’s $31-million opening weekend, the current best for an HBO Max simultaneous release. That film is also the only such film to cross $100 million this year.

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