Avengers: Doomsday Leads Dune: Part Three in Early Dunesday Presales

Early ticket sales point to a clear presale leader for “Dunesday,” the December 18 US theatrical clash between Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday and Warner Bros. and Legendary’s Dune: Part Three. EmpireCity Box Office estimates that Doomsday is selling at roughly 3.2 to 4 times the pace of Denis Villeneuve’s film. That points to a Marvel advantage at the box office, though the figures also show that both releases are attracting substantial advance interest.

The comparison with 2023’s “Barbenheimer” is natural: Barbie and Oppenheimer opened on the same day and both found large audiences. This time, theater owners are concerned that the two films could draw on overlapping moviegoers. Still, the presale figures so far don’t settle the weekend’s final results. They offer an early measure of demand, with release day still ahead.

Marvel’s presale pace sets a high bar

Avengers: Doomsday recorded $16.5 million in premium-format presales during its first 24 hours, according to the source article. It also became the first film to pass $40 million in domestic presales 100 days before release. Subsequent tracking reports put global presales above $100 million.

Those sales underpin the large opening estimates. Global Box Office has forecast a domestic debut between $260 million and $300 million. Other reports suggest the film could approach $400 million if its presale pace continues. These are projections, not final results, but they help explain why EmpireCity Box Office described the Marvel release as a “juggernaut” and said it sees little direct competition for the weekend lead.

Based on presales so far, @Avengers Doomsday going to win Dec. 18th weekend by a 3.2x or 4x to 1 ratio. Not a knock on the sales of @dunemovie at all, but the winner of the weekend is set. There is no real competition between the two, shows you what a juggernaut is incoming. https://t.co/XsZw51pVLU

— EmpireCity Box Office (@EmpireCityBO) October 24, 2026

The same account’s assessment is about relative sales so far; it doesn’t mean Dune: Part Three is opening to a small audience. The film has reportedly brought in $10 million through early advance sales and is tracking toward a franchise-best opening above $100 million. Global Box Office has said a start north of $120 million is possible, and reported that regular showings are selling better than Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.

Dune’s IMAX window gives it a distinct draw

Premium screens are central to the contest. Dune: Part Three has a three-week exclusive IMAX window, keeping Doomsday off US IMAX screens during that opening period. Disney has introduced its Infinity Vision certification for premium screens as another way to position the Marvel film for viewers seeking a larger-format experience.

The formats have produced different strengths in presales, according to an analysis cited by the source: Doomsday leads in total advance sales, while Dune: Part Three is ahead in high-priced IMAX 70mm tickets. That distinction matters when reading headline comparisons. A lead in overall presales and a strong showing in a premium format describe different parts of demand, and each film has a route to draw audiences into theaters.

London’s BFI IMAX sold 33,000 advance tickets in 24 hours, generating more than £880,000 and setting a first-day presale record. In the UK, Vue has added screenings in response to demand. The figures show that the IMAX window is already producing attention for Villeneuve’s film, even as Marvel leads on reported presale volume.

Worlds collide An exclusive preview of Marvel’s new Avengers movie assembles Bryce Harper, Freddie Freeman, Jacob Misiorowski, Junior Caminero and Randy Arozarena Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters everywhere December 18 https://t.co/WX1YtKjAKt

— MLB (@MLB) October 24, 2026

Tracking outside the US has also favored Marvel so far. A Bulgarian tracker reported that Doomsday was matching Spider-Man: Brand New Day at the same point in its countdown, while running ahead of Dune: Part Three. Polymarket traders have also bet against Dune 3 outgrossing the Marvel ensemble on opening weekend. Those indicators add to the sense of a Marvel lead, but they don’t replace final ticket sales.

Both franchises bring box office momentum

Dune has a substantial theatrical record of its own. Dune: Part One earned $410 million worldwide while streaming day and date on HBO Max. Dune: Part Two went on to earn $714 million globally. The reported early sales for the third film suggest the series could build on that audience, even if Doomsday takes the weekend lead.

Playing in the sand. Tickets on sale now around the world. Dune: Part Three only in theaters and IMAX December 18. https://t.co/2uVNytBk6e #DuneMovie https://t.co/GktHXlb9XX

— DUNE (@dunemovie) October 23, 2026

The prospect of both films opening above $100 million would make the weekend a first: two separate releases crossing that domestic opening threshold on the same weekend. Analysts also expect “Dunesday” could set a new domestic weekend record, though the scale will become clearer as the release approaches. Final trailers are expected in November, with studio tracking due in early December.

For now, the presale gap makes Avengers: Doomsday the early favorite for the weekend lead. The more interesting measure may be whether Dune: Part Three turns its IMAX demand and franchise following into an opening that gives both films room to make history.