By Karim Hammam
AMC Theatres has released a new collectible popcorn bucket for the upcoming film "Dune: Part Three," featuring two sandworm heads in a design that has already drawn comparisons to its controversial predecessor.
Design echoes previous viral bucket
The Double Sandworm Collectible follows the single-sandworm bucket issued for "Dune: Part Two" in 2024, which sparked widespread NSFW comparisons and a parody on "Saturday Night Live." The new version is marketed as a sharing container, but social media users quickly noted the suggestive shape, with comments suggesting the marketing team "knew exactly what they were doing."
Mixed reactions online
On X, formerly Twitter, observers joked that the company "took the memes as notes" and questioned the practicality of the design, with one user noting difficulty grabbing a fistful of popcorn. Others played up the sharing concept, quipping about holding hands inside the bucket.
Business of collectible buckets
Collectible buckets have become a significant revenue stream for AMC. Chief executive Adam Aron previously projected the chain would earn more than $100 million from themed buckets this year. Recent designs include a Trojan horse for Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" and a red purse for "The Devil Wears Prada 2."
Upcoming film details
"Dune: Part Three," based on Frank Herbert's 1969 novel "Dune Messiah," is scheduled for U.S. release on December 18. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Jason Momoa, and Rebecca Ferguson. AMC's senior vice president of food and beverage, Hank Green, said the goal was to exceed fan expectations set by the previous bucket's viral success.
