Dune 2 is an American Science fiction movie that was released last year starring Zendaya and Timothee Chalamet. It crossed over $182.5 million worldwide in the first week of release. The movie was a hit and people loved the sequel. The movie is based on a game and the director made sure to give justice to its name. However, their marketing has not been so great. They have introduced a Dune Popcorn Bucket which is receiving criticism from all over the world, but that is what gave them the publicity.
The Controversial Dune 2 Popcorn Bucket
What is the Dune Popcorn Bucket?
It is not a very beautiful thing to see and does not even look like a bucket. They say it represents a sandworm of the famous planet Arrakis, see the movie for the reference. It has plastic bristles on top which look like teeth and you have to stick your hand inside to grab the popcorn, it might feel uneasy. There have been so many videos that have been posted reviewing the bucket and how it is a failed marketing strategy of the filmmakers to promote their movies. The host Jimmy Kimmel laughed about it at the show when Zendaya and Timothee went for its promotion. The worst thing is, even the cast felt super uncomfortable with the idea of this popcorn bucket, it did not make any sense.
Was the popcorn bucket a hit?
Indeed it was, although people did not like the idea of it it did well for the promotion of the movie given the lengthy history of iconic Dune movie memorabilia. David Lynch’s movie released in 198 had a wide range of merchandise like the action figures of Sandworms, which you can still find on eBay by the way except they have gotten really expensive and are now 100 dollars.on Etsy, you can find the dune-related thermos and lunchbox. Also, Dune is not the only movie that has pulled something like this, there were many others that used another kind of marketing strategy.
Public Reacitons to the Dune Popcorn Bucket
Apparently, the bucket keeps your popcorn fresh for a long time, many people said that they could not finish it and ate through the three hours of the movie but the popcorn remained fresh. Some said it is like a rubbery wormhole that keeps your hands warm and if you are someone who likes to keep their hands busy by playing with a fidget spinner, this bucket might help you. You also lose half the popcorn in your hand while trying to grab it from this bucket, so what even is the use of this?
Social Media Trends and Fan Art Inspired by the Bucket
The bucket has inspired plenty of fan art, and some fans have even taken to carrying around buckets to themselves. Social media feeds are filled with photos of satisfied owners proudly displaying their buys, with hashtags such as #DuneBucket and #PopcornWorm. Some claim that the bucket perfectly captures the franchise’s awe-inspiring, larger-than-life image.
Marketing Challenges Faced by Dune 2
People aren’t coming to the theatre, it’s a costly investment, and studios like Warner, the home of the DC and Wizarding World brands, are becoming more and more anxious to stand out. Even if the bucket costs $30, the merchandise feels cheesy, despite the fact that tens of millions of dollars were spent to promote the movie. Although being creative is respected by all, some ideas are better left. Articles with headlines like “Why Is Everyone Attracted to the Viral Dune 2 Popcorn Bucket and What Is It? “We tested the Dune 2 Sandworm Popcorn Bucket; “22 Things I Did With the Dune: Part Two Sandworm Popcorn Bucket.”, all these articles will make you uncomfortable.
Comparison of Dune Merchandise with Other Movies
Other movies have also released their merchandise like star wars or Barbie and they have been appreciated and loved by many people. The Dune’s merchandise, however, is not the first one to be criticised. “Avengers” Infinity Gauntlet mug had also faced some backlash from the critiques and fans. Dune’s merchandise is very bold and depicts the movie in a great way. The bucket is also considered to be overpriced and does not seem practical and the environmentalists have raised questions over it since it is also not sustainable.
When was Dune Popcorn Bucket launched?
The promotional campaign for Dune: Part Two was also launched alongside the popcorn bucket. Only available through select theatre chains, that limited availability helped to give the film an air of exclusivity. Fans rushed to get their own buckets, causing sellouts in some locations and an instant secondary market on the internet.
Conclusion: Success or Failure?
The “Dune” popcorn bucket is surely a bold experiment in movie merchandising. Whether it goes down as a brilliant marketing success or a misguided attempt to loot the fans is still to be determined. For the time being, it still inspires debates whether they should have launched the product or is it good for kids to see this. Only time will tell whether this product will end up a beloved collectable or just another failed marketing attempt.
Faq
- What does the “Dune” popcorn bucket represent?
The bucket is designed to resemble a sandworm from the planet Arrakis, a central element in the Dune universe.
- How much does the popcorn bucket cost?
The bucket is priced at $49.99.
- Why is the popcorn bucket controversial?
Critics have labeled it as “gimmicky,” “overpriced,” and impractical. Environmental concerns have also been raised.
