Part 2′ Expected to Make $76 Million Opening Weekend

Austin Butler‘s a new face to ‘Dune,’ but the dude’s already got reason to celebrate … ’cause his movie’s expected to make big money at the box office this weekend.

According to Deadline … “Dune: Part 2” is the year’s first big blockbuster hit — with projections coming out that the flick’s gonna take home $76 million domestically.

This is a shade under-reported industry expectations of $80 million … but compared to the $41 million opening the movie’s predecessor picked up, $76 million is a boon.

BTW … ‘Dune 2’ isn’t facing any stiff competition for the top box office spot — with no major releases risking facing down the sci-fi heavyweight, the “Bob Marley: One Love” biopic that came out weeks ago is currently expected to finish second.

Tons of people are excited about the new movie coming out clearly … and, it may have something to do with stars like Butler who’ve taken on key roles in the second movie.

Among the newcomers joining ‘Dune’ veterans like Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya … Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux and more.

Cast members have gotten fans excited by their frequent event appearances in the promotional lead-up to the release … with Zendaya particularly exciting audiences, especially in her revealing chrome body suit.