As the highly anticipated "Dune: Part Two" nears its release, a unique promotional stunt has unexpectedly captured the attention of moviegoers - the Dune Part Two popcorn bucket.
AMC Theatres in the United States introduced a "Dune: Part Two" promotional popcorn bucket, sparking a wave of reactions online. This sequel, following the success of "Dune" (2021), which garnered 11 Academy Award nominations and won six, including Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Visual Effects, is set to continue the adaptation of Frank Herbert's 1965 epic novel.
Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides, alongside Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Josh Brolin, Christopher Walken, and Rebecca Ferguson, with Hans Zimmer once again providing the score.
However, it's the promotional popcorn bucket that has been turning heads for reasons beyond its connection to the film. Designed to resemble the sandworm monster's mouth, its appearance has led to some rather risqué comparisons by social media users. One Twitter user remarked, "I just want to eat my popcorn not stick my hand in a monster Fleshlight," while another quipped, "Dune 2? The only thing I care about is what I'm gonna be Dune 2 that popcorn bucket."
The tan-colored popcorn bucket has become the subject of various jokes and memesonline. A third user tweeted in disbelief, "Babe are you ok?? You've barely fked your DUNE 2 promotional popcorn bucket." The humorous takes on the bucket's design have not been lost on cinema staff either. "Another day working at the multiplex. Everyone keeps asking me if they can fk the Dune 2 popcorn bucket," shared one person.
Another, supposedly a cinema worker, joked, "Buddy, this is an AMC, of course you can f**k the popcorn bucket."
These reactions highlight how a simple promotional item can unexpectedly become the center of attention, overshadowing even the film it's meant to promote.
Some social media users have speculated about the intentions behind this unusual marketing strategy. "My conspiracy theory is they knew and they're playing us like fiddles with all the free marketing and also money they're gonna make when we all buy this ironically," one conspiracy theory read. Whether intentional or not, the buzz generated by the popcorn bucket has certainly added an unexpected layer of intrigue and humor to the film's promotion.
"Dune: Part Two" is scheduled for a 1 March release in the UK. The film continues the saga of Paul Atreides as he joins forces with Chani and the Fremen in a quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family. In this installment, Atreides faces a daunting choice between his love and the fate of the universe. The ensemble cast, along with the return of Hans Zimmer's musical expertise, is set to deliver another cinematic experience that promises to be as visually and auditorily stunning as its predecessor.
In the meantime, the unusual popcorn bucket continues to be a topic of discussion, humor, and perhaps even a collector's item for fans. Its unexpected fame serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of promotional campaigns and the power of social media to turn even the most innocuous items into viral sensations.
As "Dune: Part Two" prepares for its release, the film, along with its now-famous popcorn bucket, is sure to remain a hot topic among cinephiles and casual viewers alike.