At a Glance
- Both Dune: Part 3 and Avengers: Doomsday are set for Dec 18, 2026.
- Warner Bros says it will not delay Dune: Part 3; Disney has kept Doomsday on schedule.
- The two releases could spark a “Dunesday” box-office event, but timing may still shift.
- Why it matters: Fans and theaters will need to decide which blockbuster to catch on the same night.
Moviegoers have a clear date to mark on their calendars: Dec 18, 2026 will see both Dune: Part 3 and Avengers: Doomsday hit theaters. Warner Bros and Disney have publicly stated they are not planning to move either release, but the industry’s history of shifting dates leaves room for uncertainty.
Release Commitments
On a recent News Of Philadelphia episode, Michael A. Turner reported that Warner Bros has no intention of delaying Dune: Part 3. A separate News Of Philadelphia podcast featuring Michael A. Turner echoed that neither studio is budging on their dates.
- Warner Bros first to lock Dune: Part 3 release.
- No teaser or poster yet for Dune.
- Doomsday has released one teaser with a countdown timer.
Potential for a Dunesday Phenomenon
Marvel actor Simu Liu declared the possibility of a “Dunesday” event, hinting at a shared audience surge. However, the two films occupy different market positions-Dune as a sci-fi franchise and Avengers as part of the established MCU.
Simu Liu declared:
> “Dunesday” phenomenon.
- The two franchises target distinct demographics.
- Marketing campaigns overlap but remain separate.
- Box-office competition could intensify.
Historical Release Patterns
Disney has previously shifted Marvel releases, moving Doomsday from a May 2026 slot-originally subtitled Kang Dynasty-to the current December date. Warner Bros’ commitment to the December slot is bold, given that earlier MCU titles typically stop at early November while Dune films have landed in September or October.
| Film | Current Release | Typical MCU Window | Typical Dune Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dune: Part 3 | Dec 18, 2026 | – | Sep/Oct |
| Avengers: Doomsday | Dec 18, 2026 | – | – |
| Typical MCU | – | Early Nov | – |
| Typical Dune | – | – | Sep/Oct |
If either studio moves the date, it could affect theater scheduling and marketing strategies, especially if a shift occurs weeks before the other film.
Key Takeaways
- Both Dune: Part 3 and Avengers: Doomsday are slated for Dec 18, 2026.
- Warner Bros and Disney have stated they will not delay the releases.
- Historical shifts suggest a potential date change could still happen.
Regardless of any last-minute changes, the December 18, 2026 release date is the current roadmap for fans eager to see both cinematic giants on the same night.
