Overview
- Both tentpoles remain scheduled to open on December 18, 2026, creating a same-day showdown fans have nicknamed “Dunesday.”
- Warner Bros. is reportedly refusing to move Dune: Part Three after claiming the date first, according to Matt Belloni and Jeff Sneider.
- Marvel delayed Avengers: Doomsday from May 1, 2026 to the December slot and has begun early promotion, with weekly teaser plans reported by Koimoi.
- The online buzz has accelerated, with “Dunesday” trending on X and users imagining double features and mashup posters.
- Industry commentary notes the Barbenheimer comparison has limits, citing premium-format competition and likely three-hour-plus runtimes that could curb back-to-back viewing.