Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet Stir Up 'Dunesday' Hype
Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet have a laugh over the December 2026 clash between Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part 3, coining a cheeky new name for the event.
It might only be the start of the year, but plenty of film fans are already eyeing off December 2026, when two massive blockbusters are set to hit cinemas on the same day. Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part 3 are both locked in for a simultaneous release, and the buzz is already building. The situation has drawn comparisons to the famous 'Barbenheimer' weekend, and the stars themselves are clearly enjoying the banter.
At a recent Q&A in Los Angeles for Timothée Chalamet’s latest flick, Marty Supreme, Robert Downey Jr. couldn’t resist taking the mickey out of the upcoming box office showdown.
“We’ve decided to coin it. We’re thinking Dunesday,”
he quipped, with Chalamet by his side. Downey Jr. then joked,
“We’ll see if we’re still friends by then.”
The moment was later shared on Twitter, giving fans a taste of the good-natured rivalry brewing between the two stars.
Blockbuster Showdown: Marvel vs. Sci-Fi Epic
Avengers: Doomsday will see Downey Jr. return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this time he’s swapping his Iron Man suit for the role of Doctor Doom. He’ll be up against a line-up of familiar and fresh faces as the fifth Avengers film brings together a new mix of heroes. Meanwhile, Dune: Part 3 is shaping up to be a major event in its own right, wrapping up Denis Villeneuve’s ambitious adaptation of the classic sci-fi saga.
Both films are expected to draw huge crowds, with punters keen to see how the stories unfold. The double feature is already being talked up as a must-see event, with fans speculating about which film will come out on top at the box office.
Echoes of Barbenheimer: A Double Feature for the Ages
This isn’t Downey Jr.’s first time in the middle of a cinematic face-off. Back in July 2023, he was front and centre for the Barbenheimer phenomenon, when Oppenheimer and Barbie launched on the same day. That unlikely pairing turned into a cultural moment, with heaps of people making a day of it by catching both films back-to-back. The trend was so popular that Barbie ended up nabbing the Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
With both Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part 3 leaning into action and sci-fi, the upcoming clash feels like a natural fit for another double feature. The term 'Dunesday' might just catch on, as fans prepare for a day at the cinema packed with spectacle and star power.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Film Fans?
As the countdown to December 18, 2026, continues, excitement is only set to grow. Whether you’re a Marvel tragic, a Dune devotee, or just love a good blockbuster, there’s plenty to look forward to. The calendar is already filling up with much-hyped releases, and the big question remains: which film will you be lining up for first?
For those keeping tabs on what’s coming, there’s no shortage of options. From Spider-Man: Brand New Day to Avengers: Secret Wars and a fresh take on X-Men, the next couple of years are shaping up to be a treat for film lovers. Keen to have your say? Cast your vote for the most anticipated Marvel release and see where the crowd stands.