Robert Downey Jr. Breaks Silence on ‘Avengers’ vs. ‘Dune 3’ Box Office Showdown
Fans are already buzzing about a massive box office showdown set for December 18, 2026. That’s the day Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday and Warner Bros.’ Dune: Part Three will hit theaters, marking a clash that could rival the 2023 “Barbenheimer” phenomenon.
Robert Downey Jr., who stars in Avengers: Doomsday, addressed the clash during a Q&A for Timothée Chalamet’s new movie Marty Supreme in Los Angeles on January 14, 2026. Instead of treating the situation as a serious rivalry, Downey took a lighthearted approach. He joked that the teams have already given the big release day a nickname.
“We both have films opening on December 18th, and we decided to coin a name for it. We’re thinking ‘DUNESDAY’,” Downey said, earning laughs from the crowd. His playful response assured fans that the Marvel team is taking the competition in stride.
Robert Downey Jr. and Timothée Chalamet talk about ‘AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY’ and ‘DUNE: PART 3’ releasing on the same day:
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 15, 2026
“We both have films opening on December 18, we decided to coin a name for it… We’re thinking ‘DUNESDAY.’” pic.twitter.com/1yXiRegyWE
On paper, Avengers: Doomsday looks like it has the edge. Marvel movies often dominate opening weekends, fueled by hype, loyal fans, and blockbuster expectations. The return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers, along with appearances from the X-Men, adds to the excitement, making it feel like a must-watch for MCU fans.
Still, Dune: Part Three could find success in the long run. While it might open slower at the box office, it could gain momentum over time, similar to how Oppenheimer performed after initially being overshadowed by Barbie in 2023. Analysts suggest that even if Dune 3 struggles at first, it could earn critical acclaim and award recognition later.
According to release details, Dune: Part Three is directed by Denis Villeneuve and comes from Warner Bros., while Avengers: Doomsday is helmed by Joe and Anthony Russo under Marvel Studios. Both films are set to premiere on December 18.
Fans are already debating which movie will dominate the box office. With the Avengers drawing massive crowds and Dune appealing to a more epic, sci-fi-loving audience, it’s shaping up to be an exciting holiday movie battle.
So, which movie do you think will come out on top? Will Avengers: Doomsday crush the competition, or will Dune: Part Three carve its own path to success? Share your thoughts in the comments.