It’s double trouble.
AMC Theatres has released the first look at its new “Dune: Part Three” collectible popcorn buckets. And to send Paul Atreides off in style, the theatre chain has not one, but two designs, including one bucket that has two sandworm heads. The other, a “Sandworm Thumper” bucket, boasts a “working Thumper design.” For those not versed in all things spice, the Thumpers are what Fremen warriors place in the desert sands to summon the worms from their subterranean homes.
The designs are, how shall we put it, a little NSFW. Their resemblance to popular sex toys was parodied in a SNL sketch in which a frisky adolescent’s thoughts turned to something other than popcorn when he looked at the sandworm’s gaping mouth.
The company said that the double sandworm bucket is perfect for couples, because it’s “easier to share popcorn.” There’s also a light-up cup, though no word on pricing. Buckets typically cost in the neighborhood of $25. “Dune: Part Three” opens December 18, 2026, and brings back franchise stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson, as well as director Denis Villeneuve.
The collectibles have become big business for the chain, with AMC chief Adam Aron projecting the company will make more than $100 million selling the themed buckets this year.
AMC has released collectible buckets timed to major films such as “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” but the chain acknowledged that all eyes were on them for their “Dune” follow-up.
“The AMC Sandworm popcorn bucket for ‘Dune: Part Two’ became a viral phenomenon, and we knew that ‘Dune’ fans would have high expectations for what came next,” said Hank Green, AMC’s senior VP of food and beverage. “From the moment we started planning the ‘Dune: Part Three’ collectibles, our goal was to exceed those fan expectations. The Sandworm Thumper and Double Sandworm collectibles take the experience to the next level with designs straight from the movie.”
In other words, cue the memes.
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