AMC Theaters Takes Action Against Resellers After Dune 3 Ticketing Controversy

3 hours ago 10

Published Aug 21, 2026, 10:23 PM EDT

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AMC Theatres is cracking down on ticket scalpers following the chaotic launch of Dune: Part Three ticket sales.

Excitement for Denis Villeneuve's third Dune movie has been building ahead of its December release, particularly for its limited IMAX screenings. However, the latest ticket release was met with extreme demand and technical difficulties, with some fans lining up in person while tickets appeared on resale sites for substantially more than face value.

AMC CEO Adam Aron has now announced that the theater chain is taking action against resellers. In a post on X, Aron said AMC is monitoring eBay and other resale sites and will attempt to cancel tickets being sold above face value. The company also plans to close the AMC Stubs accounts associated with those tickets.

With such high demand surrounding Dune: Part Three, it is perhaps unsurprising considering how successful Villeneuve's first two installments became. The first Dune earned 10 Academy Award nominations and ultimately won six Oscars, while both Dune movies earned Best Picture nominations, a particularly notable achievement for the sci-fi franchise.

That anticipation is only heightened by the unusual theatrical landscape awaiting Dune: Part Three. The movie is currently scheduled to open on December 18, the same day as Marvel Studios' Avengers: Doomsday, setting up a potential sci-fi event of the decade with two of 2026's most anticipated blockbusters arriving simultaneously.

Dune: Part Three has secured an exclusive domestic IMAX window. That means Avengers: Doomsday will not initially have access to U.S. IMAX screens despite marking the return of the Avengers franchise and Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU, this time as Doctor Doom. The frenzy surrounding Dune: Part Three tickets provides an early indication of just how substantial audience interest could be when the two movies arrive in December.

AMC's response also shows just how unusual the demand has become. Movie-ticket reselling rarely generates the same attention associated with concerts and other live events, but limited premium-format screenings for major releases have increasingly created similar situations. With AMC now threatening to cancel tickets and close accounts, the theater chain is taking steps to stop resellers from profiting off the huge demand for Dune: Part Three.

Dune: Part Three arrives in theaters December 18, 2026.