Fans crash Fandango and AMC sites for early 'Dune: Part Three' tickets

Fans eager to see "Dune: Part Three" faced significant hurdles on Tuesday as they rushed to purchase early tickets for IMAX 70 mm screenings in December. Many reported long waits and crashes on ticketing sites, particularly Fandango and AMC, as they attempted to secure seats for the highly anticipated film.

This frenzy comes as excitement builds around the latest installment of the sci-fi franchise, which is based on Frank Herbert's acclaimed 1965 novel. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, "Dune: Part Three" continues the story 17 years after the second film, with Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, now ruling the galaxy. The film also features stars like Zendaya and Jason Momoa, adding to its draw for audiences. The early ticket sales reflect a broader trend of moviegoers seeking premium viewing experiences, as seen previously with the rush for Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" this past June.

On social media, fans expressed frustration over technical issues while trying to book their tickets. Many took to platforms like X to share their experiences, with one user stating, "Am I tripping or did every website for Dune 3 IMAX 70MM crash?" Others reported spending over an hour waiting in virtual queues, while some even attempted to buy tickets in person, leading to lines wrapping around AMC theaters. The demand was so intense that early tickets began appearing on resale sites like eBay, with some listings priced at nearly $1,000.

As the film's release date of December 18 approaches, the anticipation is expected to grow even further. IMAX has already announced another ticket drop, urging fans to prepare for the next chance to secure their seats. This heightened demand highlights the increasing popularity of multiformat film experiences and the lengths fans will go to avoid missing out on blockbuster films.