Dune 2 Age Rating Cites “Strong Violence” As It Continues Franchise Tradition

Dune: Part Two‘s age rating has now been revealed, and it continues a tradition set by the original 1984 movie. Based on source material from author Frank Herbert, director Denis Villeneuve’s first film in the franchise was released in 2021, introducing audiences to Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides and the epic conflict in which he finds himself. The sequel to Villeneuve’s acclaimed epic was originally slated to hit theaters this fall, but was recently pushed to next spring.

Now, as the wait for Dune: Part Two‘s release date continues, FilmRatings.com reveals that the MPAA has officially rated the movie PG-13 for “sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.” This rating is similar to its 2021 predecessor, which earned a PG-13 for “sequences of strong violence, some disturbing images and suggestive material.” Director David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation also held a PG-13.

PG-13 Is The Perfect Rating For Dune 2

When it comes to the world of Dune, PG-13 is really the sweet spot to be operating within. Making a PG version of the film would mean that it might lack the bite and intensity that the story needs. Herbert’s original novel, after, isn’t without moments of violence, and the entire premise of the story is essentially an epic conflict between two houses. Doing justice to this conflict and its emotional human toll just might not be possible with a PG rating.

An R rating, on the other hand, would limit Dune: Part Two commercially. Although it could be argued that an R rating would suit the brutal bladed combat depicted in the world of the film, it would also restrict the movie’s financial prospects. An R rating, after all, would cut off a large chunk of potential viewers who are under the age of 18.

With his first Dune, Villeneuve demonstrated that a PG-13 rating is the perfect middle ground to give the story and its violence the weight that it needs while also making the adaptation accessible to more audiences. It remains to be seen how the violence depicted in Dune: Part Two will compare to the first movie, but the trailers and the recent MPAA rating suggest it will be of a similar intensity.