THE splitting of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune into two films was a huge gamble in 2021, it even outwit the Covid factor. Frank Herbert’s seismic tome - though among the best selling science fiction novels of all time - had long been considered unfilmable. David Lynch’s 1985 adaptation flopped hard and there was little three years ago to suggest a vast market existed for high concept sci-fi.

And yet, Villeneuve’s bet paid off. Part One proved both a critical and commercial triumph, conquering both the 94th Academy Awards and the global box office. Landing in cinemas this week, Dune: Part Two is not just hotly anticipated, it’s already sold out the BFI’s flagship IMAX for a full week.

Just as with James Cameron’s grossly high grossing Avatar offerings, much of the Dune appeal can be attributed to its breadth of visual ambition. This is cinema with a capital WOW. Epic vistas, breathtaking cinematography and some extraordinary world building all work in perfect harmony to transform Herbert’s hardcore sci-fi into appointment viewing for all.

Sharp contemporary casting helped too. In placing hot young things Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya - as much viral icons as rising stars - front and centre, alongside older reliables, Dune hit square at a four quadrant marketing boon. Star Wars’ Oscar Isaac, The Greatest Showman’s Rebecca Fergusson, Skyfall’s Javier Bardem, Guardians of the Galaxy’s Dave Bautista, Jason ‘Aquaman’ Momoa…check, check, check, check, check. All eminently watchable.

The story’s not bad either. Chalamet is the young Duke Paul Atreides, son of Leto (Isaac) a causality of the first film. Having been ousted from their fiefdom on Arrakis by the power-hungry House Harkonnen, Paul and his Bene Gesserit mother Lady Jessica (Ferguson) are stranded on the planet’s hostile desert planes. If the heat and dearth of water doesn’t kill you, the giant native sand worms sure will.

At the climax of Part One, Paul found himself among the indigenous Fremen population. As he plots revenge on all those who betrayed his family, Paul must also contend with the weight of a prophecy on his name. Some call him the Kwisatz Haderach, others the Muad'Dib. All believe him to have the power to either make or break the entire Universe.

With all the sturdy groundwork laid in Part One, Part Two hits the ground running and delivers big on the spectacle. It’s thrilling stuff.