‘Doomsday’ gets IMAX release in China; ‘Dune 3’ POSTPONED

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ could gain a significant advantage at the global box office, with the film set to release in premium IMAX formats in China. The Marvel superhero film that reportedly lost out on an IMAX release in the US, owing to its clash with 'Dune: Part Three', will now, get an exclusive two-week IMAX window ahead of its US release on December 18, 2026.

'Dune: Part Three' release date postponed

The reported release update follows claims that ‘Dune: Part Three’ will have a delayed release in China on December 31, giving ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ an opportunity to play on IMAX screens without direct competition from Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction epic.

'Avengers: Doomsday' to have IMAX release in China

According to the reported schedule, ‘Doomsday’ will open in China on December 16, two days before its US debut. However, the reported December 31 date for ‘Dune: Part Three’ in China has not been independently confirmed by the official release information available.The scheduling development could be significant for Marvel Studios, given the importance of IMAX screenings for major Hollywood releases. While ‘Dune: Part Three’ has secured an exclusive three-week IMAX window in the US, ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is expected to receive IMAX screenings in select international markets.The official release schedule for ‘Dune: Part Three’ lists its North American theatrical debut for December 18, with international releases beginning December 16.

‘Avengers: Doomsday’ eyes USD 300 million-plus opening in China

The Marvel film is reportedly targeting more than USD 300 million at the Chinese box office, although this remains a projection rather than a confirmed forecast from the studio or distributor. Its performance will depend on audience turnout, local competition and the availability of premium-format screens.The franchise has a substantial box-office history in China. ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ (2015) earned approximately 1.46 billion yuan, while ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018) collected around 2.39 billion yuan.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019) went on to earn more than 4 billion yuan in the market, becoming a major theatrical event.The franchise's box office history gives ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ a potentially strong footing as it prepares to return to Chinese cinemas. However, whether the latest instalment can match the success of its predecessors remains to be seen.

‘Dune: Part Three’ builds anticipation in China

Meanwhile, ‘Dune: Part Three’, has also generated considerable anticipation among Chinese moviegoers. Reports circulating online have placed it among the country's most anticipated upcoming releases, behind ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.With both films targeting the lucrative holiday season, their respective release schedules could shape the year-end box-office race.