Movie enthusiasts are gearing up for a December to remember as two highly anticipated blockbusters, Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, are set to clash in theaters on December 18, 2026. This cinematic collision has been playfully dubbed "Dunesday" by fans and even embraced by the stars themselves, echoing the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon of 2023.
Avengers: Doomsday marks a significant moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, with a script by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, it's the first Avengers film since 2019's Endgame and the 39th film in the MCU. The film sees Robert Downey Jr.'s surprising return, this time as Doctor Doom, leading a formidable group against a united front of Avengers, Wakandans, the Fantastic Four, and even the X-Men. The ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Vanessa Kirby, Anthony Mackie, and many more familiar faces. Marvel has released several teasers, hinting at a dour tone and a climactic battle, building anticipation for what they are positioning as their next Endgame-level event.
Meanwhile, Dune: Part Three concludes Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi trilogy, adapting Frank Herbert's novel Dune Messiah. The film sees the return of Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, and Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan. New additions to the cast include Robert Pattinson, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, and Ida Brooke. While Villeneuve returns as director and co-writer alongside Jon Spaihts, cinematographer Greig Fraser will be replaced by Linus Sandgren. Production wrapped in November 2025, setting the stage for its December 2026 release.
The simultaneous release has sparked debate about which film will dominate the box office. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to draw massive crowds, continuing the trend of Avengers films earning over $1.5 billion globally. However, Dune has proven its cinematic appeal, with Dune: Part Two nearly doubling the earnings of the first film. Warner Bros. seems confident in Dune's cultural momentum and has maintained its release date despite the competition.
Some analysts predict that Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three may appeal to a similar audience, comprised of dedicated fans of the sci-fi and superhero genres. This could lead to a "Dunesday" double feature, boosting the overall box office during the holiday season.
Regardless of which film emerges as the box office victor, "Dunesday" promises to be a momentous occasion for movie theaters and fans alike.
