Dune: Part 2 generated much conversation before it hit theatres last month. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest discussions was not entirely about the film but partially about the collectible popcorn that AMC theatres were selling. Despite the tin's popularity, an AMC executive recently admitted that the theatre chain "would have never created it" if they had known how much attention it would get.
In an interview with Variety, when asked how the theatre chain planned to continue to lean into the collectible popcorn buckets for new movies beginning their theatrical runs, AMC Chief Content Officer Elizabeth Frank admitted that the limited-edition Dune 2 popcorn bucket took them all surprise, not expecting the collector's item to gain that much popularity (or notoriety depending on who you ask) online.
"We would have never imagined the "Dune" thing," Frank told the publication. "We would have never created it knowing it would be celebrated or mocked."
Dune: Part 2's popcorn tin has been the subject of jokes since its design was leaked earlier in the year. Many point out NSFW-themed jokes about the design, particularly the lid that's shaped like a sandworm emerging from the sand.
Even the director and several stars of Dune: Part 2 have reacted to the tin, with actor Josh Brolin saying he'd rather "starve" than put his hand in the tin to reach for some popcorn. The item even inspired a skit on Saturday Night Live.
Dune Popcorn Bucket ? pic.twitter.com/sCUpjgnZi6
— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) February 4, 2024
Jokes aside, while you could make endless jokes about how the Dune-themed popcorn bucket looks an awful lot like something inappropriate, it's not a terrible item. I bought one of these a few months back. While I must admit it was a bit difficult to get the popcorn out of the tin, it's one of the more creative collectible popcorn buckets in recent years. Hopefully, we will see more movie chains let loose and make fun, quirky, and borderline NSFW-themed popcorn buckets when it makes sense.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
