Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet Tease 'Dunesday' Movie Showdown
Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet have some fun with the upcoming box office clash between Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part 3, both set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
Even though it ’s only January, movie fans are already buzzing about what’s coming at the end of 2026. Two of the year’s most anticipated blockbusters —Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part 3—are both scheduled to premiere on December 18. The situation is drawing comparisons to the famous Barbenheimer weekend, and the stars themselves are getting in on the joke.
At a recent Q&A in Los Angeles for Timothée Chalamet’s new film Marty Supreme, Robert Downey Jr. and Chalamet couldn’t resist poking fun at the upcoming cinematic face-off. Downey Jr. quipped,
“We’ve decided to coin it. We’re thinking Dunesday,”
sparking laughter from the crowd. He added,
“We’ll see if we’re still friends by then.”
The playful banter quickly made its way online, with fans embracing the new nickname for the double feature event.
Marvel ’s Next Chapter and Dune’s Grand Finale
Avengers: Doomsday is set to introduce Downey Jr. back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time as the infamous Doctor Doom. He’ll be facing off against a lineup of both familiar and fresh heroes in the franchise ’s fifth Avengers installment. Meanwhile, Dune: Part 3 promises to be a massive conclusion to Denis Villeneuve’s epic saga, wrapping up the story that’s captivated audiences worldwide.
For Downey Jr., this isn’t the first time he’s been at the center of a box office showdown. Back in July 2023, he starred in Oppenheimer, which opened the same day as Barbie. That unexpected pairing sparked a cultural phenomenon, with moviegoers flocking to see both films back-to-back. The trend was so popular that Barbie ended up taking home the Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
Why 'Dunesday' Could Be Even Bigger
This time around, the double feature might make even more sense. Both Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part 3 are rooted in science fiction and action, appealing to similar audiences. With both films dropping on the same day, fans are already planning their own marathon viewings, eager to experience two major cinematic universes in one epic night.
As the release date approaches, excitement is only building. Whether you’re a Marvel diehard, a Dune devotee, or just love a good movie event, December 18, 2026, is shaping up to be a date to remember.
Looking Ahead to More Blockbusters
With so many big movies on the horizon, it’s a great time to be a film fan. Which upcoming Marvel adventure are you most excited for? Spider- Man: Brand New Day, Avengers: Doomsday, Avengers: Secret Wars, or maybe the next X-Men chapter? Cast your vote and stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to 'Dunesday' continues.