Avengers: Doomsday – Disney Not Worried About Lack of IMAX Screens

The December 18th release date is shaping up to be a heavyweight showdown at the box office, but one film isn’t planning to compete for IMAX screens. While Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three is locking down those premium large-format venues, Disney’s Avengers: Doomsday will forgo an IMAX push, opting instead to focus on other immersive formats.

The difference in strategy stems from how each film was shot. Villeneuve’s final installment in the Dune saga was filmed extensively with IMAX cameras, granting it exclusive access to those screens for several weeks. Avengers: Doomsday, however, wasn’t shot with IMAX cameras, limiting its availability to standard cinemas and alternative premium formats.

A Familiar Pattern at the Box Office

This isn’t an unprecedented situation. The summer of 2023 saw a similar dynamic play out with Barbie and Oppenheimer, a pairing that proved mutually beneficial despite – or perhaps since of – the contrasting approaches to screen formats. Both films thrived, demonstrating that a lack of IMAX exclusivity doesn’t necessarily equate to diminished box office returns. As The A.V. Club noted, the simultaneous release and differing strategies created a unique cinematic event.

Disney appears confident that Avengers: Doomsday can follow suit. An insider at the studio, speaking to The Wrap, pointed to the success of Barbie and Disney’s own Lilo & Stitch – both films that didn’t utilize IMAX – as evidence that a wide release across multiple formats can still generate massive revenue. The studio is reportedly planning a robust rollout across Dolby Cinema, D-Box and 4DX venues, aiming to maximize the film’s presence in premium experiences beyond IMAX.

Dune: Part Three’s Strategic Hold on IMAX

Warner Bros., meanwhile, is equally optimistic about Dune: Part Three’s prospects. The strong positive reception to Dune: Part Two (2024) and the growing star power of its ensemble cast – including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh – have bolstered confidence that the film can exceed the global box office total of its predecessor, even while facing direct competition from Marvel’s latest offering. The studio isn’t shifting its release plans, betting on the film’s quality and the dedicated fanbase built by Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic.

Dune: Part Three, based on Herbert’s Dune Messiah, began principal photography in July 2025 and wrapped in November of the same year, with filming taking place in Budapest and Abu Dhabi. The film reunites key creative personnel, including director Denis Villeneuve, cinematographer Linus Sandgren, editor Joe Walker, and composer Hans Zimmer. According to Wikipedia, the cast also includes Jason Momoa, Rebecca Ferguson, Isaach de Bankolé, Charlotte Rampling, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson, and Javier Bardem.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe Continues

Avengers: Doomsday represents the next major installment in the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, the film is expected to feature a significant team-up of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against a formidable new threat. The film’s decision to forego an IMAX release doesn’t necessarily signal a lack of ambition; rather, it reflects a strategic choice to prioritize accessibility and reach a wider audience through a broader range of cinematic experiences.

What’s Driving the Format Choices?

The differing approaches to IMAX highlight a growing trend in film distribution. Studios are increasingly weighing the benefits of exclusivity against the potential for wider reach. IMAX screenings typically command higher ticket prices, but limiting a film’s availability to those venues can also restrict its overall audience size. Disney’s strategy with Avengers: Doomsday suggests a belief that maximizing the number of screens – even if they aren’t IMAX – will ultimately yield greater returns.

The December 18th Release: A Battle for Audiences

The December 18th release date sets the stage for a fascinating box office battle. Dune: Part Three, with its visually stunning presentation and dedicated fanbase, is poised to attract audiences seeking a grand cinematic experience. Avengers: Doomsday, leveraging the immense popularity of the MCU, is expected to draw in a broader demographic. The contrasting strategies – IMAX exclusivity versus wide-format accessibility – will be a key factor in determining which film emerges victorious.

Looking Ahead: Post-Release Strategies

Beyond the initial box office numbers, the post-release performance of both films will be crucial. Streaming availability, home video sales, and potential franchise extensions will all play a role in their long-term success. Both Warner Bros. And Disney will be closely monitoring audience reception and critical response to inform their future strategies. The success of these films could also influence how other studios approach release strategies in the years to come.

Both Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three open in cinemas everywhere on December 18th.