You could've used this exact same argument for Rise of the Beasts going sub-100m. These casual action films that don't have dedicated fans usually don't completely collapse.
There's nothing to indicate that it will only make $500m. It is set for $175-$180m WW opening according to latest estimates. Overseas it is playing best in mature, leggy markets like Germany, France, that will backload it, and WOM is great everywhere. PS are very strong in China where it hasn't opened yet so I think a WW total close to $700m is likely.
Industry tracking was (initially) at 65m-75m, it is set to open over that. Dune 2 is set to deliver a healthy profit, $600m-$700m WW, so I do not see why they would slash the budget. Either way, they won't be making these decisions based off what people on this website are saying for sure.
https://deadline.com/2024/02/box-office-dune-part-two-opening-projection-1235819080/
JW4 and Logan had to compete for screens and audiences with 500m+ grossers less than 3 weeks in their runs. I think Dune will have better legs. PLF experience will cause more people to have more repeat viewings.
In key IMAXes that are generating the most revenue it is selling out, like Lincoln Square, Metreon, etc.
In most other markets there is plenty of space.
I remember no one uploaded the Bob Marley trailer in it's thread until like a day after it dropped, but it still massively exceeded expectations...
So no, not really.
Funny how after all the doom and gloom handwringing it ended up in the expected 10m Thursday range anyways. Probably some Puerto Rico cash included in the number.
Looking at some potential comparisons (excluding Summer and Holiday releases because those usually have better walkups on THU)
-Trolls: 23.07x IM (had EA burn off demand though)
-Paw Patrol: didn't have previews in US, had them in CAN, but were not reported
-Lyle Lyle Crocodile: 19.83x
-The Bad Guys: 28.68x
I don't think KFP4 will go as high an IM any of these as it will probably have larger previews than any.