"Dune: Part Two" spices up N.America box office with big opening

Bringing spice to a so-far lean movie year, Warner Bros.’ new sci-fi film “Dune: Part Two” shot to the top of the North American box office this weekend, taking in an estimated $81.5 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.

“This is an outstanding opening” for a sci-fi sequel, said analyst David A. Gross, adding that a sprawling international cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Lea Seydoux and Javier Bardem had provided an added boost.