When Is “Dune” Coming Out in Australia?

Everything you need to know about the sci-fi epic.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, seeing big blockbuster films at the cinemas has been a rarity, but that’s all going to change when Dune hits Aussie theatres later this year.

The sci-fi epic directed by Dennis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) was originally meant to come out in November last year, but thanks to COVID, the film was delayed a full 12 months.

Finally, we have the release date within sight, so let’s jump down the Dune rabbit hole and give you everything you need to know.

When is Dune coming to Australian Cinemas?

For some reason, a cruel punishment for living in Australia is that movies from the US are never fast-tracked to our cinemas. A small price to pay for living in paradise, I guess.

Dune premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on 3 September before being released in waves around the world. For Aussies, that means we must wait until 2 December before seeing Dune, putting us a good month behind the US release.

Sometimes, life just isn’t fair.

What is Dune about?

Based on the massive book series by Frank Herbert, Dune is set in a distant future where interstellar societies war over ownership of planets in the galaxy.

The story follows Paul Atreides, son of Duke Leto Atreides whose family accepts the stewardship of the desert planet Arrakis aka Dune.

House Atreides is not the only family who want to rule over Arrakis though, with House Harkonnen—bitter enemies of House Atreides—disputing their claim. To complicate matters, the native Freman tribe add themselves into the ownership conversation. 

Big colonisation vibes going on right here.

We know it's complex, so your best bet is to either read Frank Herbert’s novel before seeing the film or just go in blind and strap in for the ride.

Who stars in Dune?

The movie boasts a massive ensemble cast that will have movie buffs salivating.

Timothee Chalamet stars as the young Paul Atreides, heir to House Atreides. His father Leto is played by Oscar Isaac and his mother, Lady Jessica, is portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson.

Alongside them, Hollywood heartthrob Jason Mamoa acts as Duncan Idaho, swordmaster and mentor to Paul, while tough-guy Josh Brolin co-stars alongside as another of Paul’s mentors.

A hero is only as good as its villain, and Villeneuve has cast Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard as Baron Harkonnen and former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista as Harkonnen’s nephew, Glossue Rabban.

Finally, every space epic needs a love interest, and Chalamet will be joined by Zendaya, playing Chani, a young Freman woman.

Dune will hit Australian Cinemas on 2 December.

Header Image: Warner Bros.