The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced its top 10 movies of the year, highlighting a mix of major studio and indie-style films. The list includes 'Wicked' and 'Dune: Part Two' from major studios, alongside indie and streaming entries like 'Anora', 'Emilia Pérez', and 'Nickel Boys'. Notably, several Oscar hopefuls such as 'Gladiator II' and 'The Piano Lesson' did not make the list. The AFI Awards luncheon is scheduled for January 10, 2025.
Inside Out 2 has surpassed Dune: Part Two to become the top-grossing film of 2024 in North America, with over $283 million in domestic ticket sales and more than $500 million globally. The animated film is expected to continue its strong performance, potentially reaching $650 million to $700 million worldwide by the end of its second weekend. Meanwhile, Sony's Bad Boys: Ride or Die holds the second spot, and new releases like The Bikeriders and The Exorcism are seeing varied success.
Dune: Part Two, the highly anticipated sequel, is now available for digital purchase at $29.99 from platforms like Amazon, iTunes, Fandango, and the Microsoft Store, with a rental option for $24.99. The movie can be enjoyed at home without a subscription, and a 4K Blu-ray release is set for May 14, available for pre-order from various retailers.
Rebecca Ferguson's revelation about being mistreated by an "idiot" co-star on the set of a film led to speculation on social media, prompting support from fellow actors like Dwayne Johnson. Ferguson clarified that the focus of her original comments was on the impact of the experience on her career decisions, rather than identifying the co-star. She described the unprofessional behavior she endured and how she stood up for herself, ultimately receiving support from her director and co-stars.
Rebecca Ferguson reveals that her co-stars reached out to her after she went public about being screamed at by an unnamed actor on set, expressing surprise at their reactions. She emphasizes that her decision to speak out was about prompting change in the industry, rather than identifying the individual involved. Ferguson previously clarified that the actor was not Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Actress Rebecca Ferguson reveals that after sharing her experience of being screamed at by a former costar, she received supportive phone calls from other industry peers. She expressed surprise at the viral response to her story and emphasized the importance of setting boundaries in her career. Ferguson, known for her roles in "Dune: Part Two" and other films, also hinted at the identity of the actor in question during an interview.
Zendaya almost didn't wear her iconic Mugler robot bodysuit to the "Dune: Part Two" premiere due to feeling lightheaded and having second thoughts about the outfit, which was a hit on the internet. Despite initial doubts, she ultimately wore the outfit but had to change into a different gown due to feeling lightheaded. She continues to surprise fans with her fashion choices and is set to make a splash at the 2024 Met Gala as one of the celebrity co-chairs.
Zendaya almost didn't wear the iconic Thierry Mugler metal robot suit to the Dune: Part Two premiere in London, as she initially felt lightheaded due to the heat-conducting nature of the outfit. Despite doubts and concerns, she ultimately wore the outfit, creating one of the biggest fashion moments of the year. She also revealed that the idea was pitched to her stylist Law Roach and shared rare comments about her relationship with Tom Holland.
"Dune: Part Two," the epic sci-fi sequel, will be available for digital rental and purchase on April 16, and released on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on May 14. The film, based on the second half of Frank Herbert’s novel, has become the highest-grossing film of 2024, surpassing $665 million worldwide. It features a sprawling cast including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and others, and has received widespread acclaim. The digital and physical versions will include special features such as "Filmbooks" and featurettes.
Godzilla X Kong, Kung Fu Panda 4, and Dune: Part Two continue to dominate the international box office, with Godzilla X Kong reaching $361M worldwide and Kung Fu Panda 4 surpassing $400M. The Boy and the Heron, a Hayao Miyazaki film, achieved a record-breaking performance in China during the Qingming holiday. Additionally, Oppenheimer becomes Christopher Nolan's highest-grossing film internationally, while new releases like The First Omen and Monkey Man make their mark in overseas markets.
Legendary Entertainment has optioned Annie Jacobsen's book "Nuclear War: A Scenario" for a potential collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve, following the success of Dune: Part Two. The book explores the potential consequences of a nuclear war and is based on exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts. Villeneuve is expected to adapt and/or direct the project, producing with his partner Tanya Lapointe. This deal comes after the success of Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, as Legendary continues to pursue ambitious projects.
Steven Spielberg praised Denis Villeneuve for his visionary filmmaking, particularly highlighting the iconic sandworm scene in "Dune: Part Two." Villeneuve's dedication to realism led to the creation of eco-friendly roads in the Jordan desert and extensive logistical planning for filming in the harsh environment. The scene, depicting Timothée Chalamet riding a sandworm, impressed Spielberg, who likened the desert to a liquid and commended Villeneuve's ability to build immersive worlds onscreen.
During a conversation with Steven Spielberg on "The Director's Cut," Denis Villeneuve expressed his belief that Zendaya, his "Dune: Part Two" co-star, could become a director in the future, citing her keen interest in the filmmaking process. Spielberg humorously noted down Zendaya's potential interest, acknowledging her previous experience as an executive producer and her dedication to learning on set.
Steven Spielberg praises Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two as one of the most brilliant science fiction films, commending the Canadian filmmaker's vision and creativity. Spielberg lauds Villeneuve as a "builder of worlds" and highlights the film's desert scenes, particularly praising the depiction of the desert as a liquid and the sandworm-riding sequence. He describes the film as a visual epic filled with deeply drawn characters, based on the 1965 novel by Frank Herbert and starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh.
Steven Spielberg praised director Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two" as one of the most brilliant science fiction films he has ever seen, particularly highlighting the visual epic and deeply drawn characters. He commended the film's sparse dialogue and painterly shots, singling out a scene of Paul surfing the sand worm as one of the greatest things he has ever seen. Spielberg also lauded the effects work and placed Villeneuve in the pantheon of great world-building fantasy directors, comparing him to iconic filmmakers such as George Lucas and Christopher Nolan.
