Robert Pattinson Breaks His Own Box Office Record

Science fiction is a genre we have all come to love and appreciate over the decades, with franchises such as Star Wars and Star Trek illuminating the possibilities that abound in the universe. The genre has produced some of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Filmmaker James Cameron and his Avatar franchise have grossed over $6.7 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises in entertainment history. The MCU's Avengers: Endgame only just overtook the original Avatar as the highest-grossing title ever following its re-release, cementing the sci-fi genre's place as an ultra-attractive product for moviegoers.

So far in 2026, the competition has been more mixed in terms of box office success, with the main contest between the superhero action-adventure Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan's action epic/fantasy The Odyssey. With global earnings of about $2.5 billion and $1.79 billion, respectively, it would take a monumental effort for any feature released this calendar year to topple their gains. However, by the end of the year, the sci-fi genre is poised to throw one of its most influential franchises into the ring — and it is a heavy hitter.

Director Denis Villeneuve is responsible for giving us several brilliant movies across multiple genres, and his next offering is based on a story that has undeniably defined the sci-fi genre. Dune: Part Three and the MCU's Avengers: Doomsday will both premiere in theaters on December 18, 2026, in what is sure to be an epic contest at the box office. Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three will have its sights set on toppling Brand New Day's box office earnings to reign supreme. However, even before officially making its premiere, the hotly anticipated epic space opera has already snatched one record away from Brand New Day's closest contender. In just 24 hours, the UK's largest screen, BFI IMAX, has sold 33,000 advance tickets for Dune: Part Three, breaking first-day presale records for the venue with a total gross of more than £880,000 ($1.2m). That eclipses the previous record of £750,000 ($1m) held by Nolan's The Odyssey. Both movies just so happen to star Robert Pattinson.

Here's What to Expect in 'Dune: Part Three'

Dune: Part Three is set nearly two decades after Dune: Part Two, and sees “Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) face the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge, and betrayal lurks in every shadow. Haunted by visions of Imperial collapse and the reappearance of Chani (Zendaya), Paul is drawn into a sweeping conspiracy, with his long-lost love at the heart of its unfolding mystery. When enemies close in, Paul must confront the true cost of power and the fate of those he loves the most.” The next act in the Dune trilogy will see Rebecca Ferguson return as Lady Jessica, Paul's mother. Anya Taylor-Joy is cast as Paul's sister, Alia Atreides, with Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem all co-starring.