'Avengers: Doomsday' to skip 'Dune 3' clash?
What's the story
Disney is reportedly considering moving up the release of its upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film, Avengers: Doomsday, to December 11. This decision would avoid a box office clash with Warner Bros.'s Dune Part Three, which is set for a December 18 release. The move would also ensure that Avengers: Doomsday gets access to premium IMAX screens in a crowded December market.
Release strategy
Strategic move to secure premium IMAX screens
Despite the potential clash, reports suggest that the decision to move up Avengers: Doomsday's release is not due to competition fears. Instead, it's a strategic move to secure premium IMAX screens. Dune 3 has already booked all US IMAX screens for three weeks starting December 18, which could limit Avengers: Doomsday's access to these screens if it sticks with its original release date.
Box office potential
Potential for a box office spectacle
The change in release date could also give Avengers: Doomsday a solo run at the box office. The film is currently eyeing a $1 billion collection. A one-week exclusive run could help it achieve this target, similar to how Avengers: Endgame used its IMAX format to rake in $91.5 million during its opening weekend in 2019.
Film details
About 'Avengers: Doomsday'
Avengers: Doomsday, the fifth installment in the Avengers franchise, will see the full-fledged debut of Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) after a cameo in Fantastic Four: First Steps. The film will also bring back Captain America (Chris Evans) and the X-Men. Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve's Dune 3 will see Timothee Chalamet return as Paul Atreides, along with Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and others.