The battle for tickets to Dune: Part Three has erupted, and these tickets are carrying a hefty price tag.
Even though the final installment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy won’t hit theaters for another eight months, Warner Bros. made a surprise move by releasing tickets for 70mm IMAX screenings at noon ET on April 6. This exclusive screening option is available in just 18 theaters across the United States, and tickets were snapped up within minutes of going live online.
The limited availability of these premium IMAX tickets has led to a frenzy on resale platforms such as eBay, where tickets are being listed for anywhere between $100 and $1000. For example, one ticket for a 70mm IMAX showing at Cinemark Dallas XD and IMAX was sold for $999 on eBay.
Dune: Part Three is one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2026, following the critical and popular success of the first two films in the series. Additionally, Frank Herbert’s novels, long considered difficult to adapt due to previous unsuccessful attempts, have been brilliantly brought to life by Villeneuve’s ambitious filmmaking.
The latest film, which draws from Herbert’s contentious Dune Messiah, has sparked curiosity about how Villeneuve will portray the conclusion of Paul’s dramatic saga as he leads a sacred war upon becoming emperor. The anticipation only grew after the release of the film’s first trailer, enhanced by Hans Zimmer’s compelling musical score.
The demand for IMAX viewings is increasing as Villeneuve has confirmed that Dune: Part Three was filmed in 70mm. During a trailer launch event, he emphasized, “This film is truly designed for the IMAX experience and should be seen on the largest screen possible. That was our vision for it.“
There is a growing trend among audiences to seek out the most luxurious cinematic experiences, such as IMAX and Dolby theaters. Just last year, IMAX celebrated its most successful box office year, pulling in $1.28 billion.
The popularity of IMAX began to surge notably following the release of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Nolan, a staunch supporter of the IMAX format, has often highlighted its benefits, saying, “the sharpness, clarity, and depth of the image are unmatched.” Many of his films, including The Dark Knight, Interstellar, and Dunkirk, were shot using IMAX technology.
Since then, films shown in IMAX, like Sinners, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Project Hail Mary, have seen significant box office success. A report from TheWrap noted that Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror film garnered $38.3 million from IMAX screenings alone, which accounted for about 10.4% of its global box office revenue.
Interestingly, Warner Bros. is not the only studio launching ticket sales for 70mm IMAX far in advance. Last July, Universal Pictures also released advanced tickets for Nolan’s The Odyssey, which sold out within an hour despite the film not being scheduled for release for another year.
While the movie theater experience is reaching new heights, it has not been without its challenges. After Warner Bros. announced the sell-out of all tickets at the 18 U.S. locations, various moviegoers expressed their dissatisfaction on social media due to the scarcity of 70mm IMAX theaters. One user remarked, “These IMAX early releases would be less frustrating if more 70mm IMAX theaters were available.” Another added, “we desperately need more IMAX 70MM screens,” and yet another commented on the mainstream popularity of IMAX post-Oppenheimer as a negative development.
Users on social media were also vocal about the quick sell-out of Dune: Part Three tickets, with one posting, “nobody talk to me right now” in frustration over the rapid sell-out.
This early ticket release by Warner Bros. raises questions about their strategy, especially since traditionally, tickets don’t go on sale until at least two months before a movie’s premiere.
This early move might be strategic due to Dune: Part Three sharing its release date, December 18, with Disney’s Avengers: Doomsday, sparking discussions about a major box office showdown dubbed “Dunesday.”
While neither studio has yet shifted their release date despite potential logistical issues, Dune: Part Three has secured exclusive IMAX rights for its first three weeks. Reports suggest Disney may seek alternative premium formats. With Warner Bros. initiating ticket sales, it signals that Dune: Part Three is prepared to hold its ground for the December 2026 showdown.
Dune: Part Three is set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
