'Dune: Part Two' release date shifts to 2024

The sci-fi sequel's release is delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.

August 25, 2023, 11:20 AM

"Dune: Part Two" won't be taking movie fans back to Arrakis this year after all.

The highly anticipated sequel to 2021's "Dune" is moving to March 15, 2024, a Warner Bros. publicist confirmed to ABC News, noting that the shift was due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

This change means "Dune: Part Two," directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Chani, won't be eligible for this year's Academy Awards.

PHOTO: Timothée Chalamet is shown as Paul Atreides in a scene from "Dune: Part Two."
Timothée Chalamet is shown as Paul Atreides in a scene from "Dune: Part Two."
Warner Bros. Pictures

The first "Dune" film was nominated for 10 Oscars at the 2022 ceremony, including best picture, best adapted screenplay, best costume design and best makeup and hairstyling.

It ultimately won six trophies, including ones for best original score, best sound, best film editing, best cinematography, best production design and best visual effects.

So far, two trailers have been released for "Dune: Part Two," the first showing Paul riding a giant sandworm and kissing Chani and the second introducing some of the new characters.

PHOTO: Zendaya is shown as Chani in a scene from "Dune: Part Two."
Zendaya is shown as Chani in a scene from "Dune: Part Two."
Warner Bros. Pictures

"Dune: Part Two" features returning cast member Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling and Javier Bardem.

Joining the cast for the sci-fi sequel are Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler and Léa Seydoux.

"Dune: Part Two" will now arrive in theaters on March 15, 2024.