Next Gen Popcorn Buckets

When ‘Dune: Part 1’ came out, the fans (including yours truly) went gaga over it. Frank Herbert must be delighted looking at a faithful adaptation of his beloved sci-fi novel series. Watching the film touched me in places I never knew existed (pun un-intended). As the cinematic masterpiece unfurled infront of my eyes, it left me with an innocent question — ‘How will Denis Villeneuve replicate the success of its precursor?’ For all we know (and tracking the history of popular culture), sequels do not often live up to their hype, leaving audiences satisfied.

Fast forward, three years, ‘Dune: Part 2’ made rounds in film festivals and global theatres. Suffice it to say, it did leave the audiences SATISFIED and yet craving for more. But this satisfaction isn’t necessarily a product of great cinematography, impeccable acting, and adventurous action, but rather a great marketing strategy and product proliferation.

Popcorn Bucket Cum Fleshlight?

We’re still scratching our heads over this concept. Never in a million years could we have thought that our childhood wet dreams would manifest themselves as harmless and weirdly magnificent popcorn buckets. The limited-edition (collectable) merchandise, distributed by AMC Theatres and designed by Zinc Group is a homage to the Arrakian sandworm from the Herbert lore. The bucket’s detachable lid is a modified face (or mouth; we’re yet to understand) of the humungous creature. It seems as if the ‘Shai Hulud’ are emerging from the barren plastic desert. The whole rubber contraption is fit with numerous teeth, supposed to keep your popcorn inside (and warm; extra butter for me please). The bucket in itself is made of tin.

The Dune popcorn bucket is essentially a modern Diva cup (or for the more adventurous, a Gloryhole). While the design of the bucket is genius, the functionality left a lot of viewers unhappy. As soon as you ‘fist’ the bucket, the silicone teeth tickle your hands (which is an oddly familiar feeling). Gone are the days of shovelling tons of popcorn straight into your mouth. The bucket wouldn’t allow you to take out more than 5 kernels; extending the life of popcorn (which wouldn’t survive the attack of the previews). Furthermore, you’d have to push your hand into what can only be described as a tight squeeze to get to the last few kernels. But beware, aggressive fondling will pop the lid off.

Due to its design, it has found viral fame, belittling stars such as Jimmy Fallon (on his TV show no less). Netizens are hailing the ‘Duneussy’ (that’s the name it shall be known henceforth) a product of the future, adding to its popularity. The ‘Duneussy’ even made it to SNL’s skit, and rightly so. The dune popcorn bucket is one of the rare cases where form-over-function has actually worked. However, during their promotional interviews, both Zendaya and Josh Brolin seemed creeped out about the idea of putting their hands into the monstrosity, yet the fans seemed to rejoice in them. 

Holding on For a Hero

Dune 2 was released on 1 March 2024. The next big thing to hit the theatre was ‘Deadpool 3’ scheduled for 26 July 2024. Knowing the fourth-wall-breaking character ‘Deadpool’ and his homage to pop culture (which raised NSYNC’s ‘Bye Bye Bye’ to #8 on global Spotify charts), we were assured; that mischief is on its way. And indeed it was.

Deadpool 3 capitalised on the dune popcorn bucket’s viral fame and the anticipation of Hugh Jackman’s return. Jackman plays the feral and always livid ‘Wolverine,’ who stormed our hearts (just like the Capitol building). It was obvious that fans wanted memorabilia of this iconic pairing. Little did they know what Deadpool had in store for them

The plastic Wolverine popcorn bucket features the hero’s signature facemask, with his gaping mouth providing the entryways to reach the popcorn. While the bucket is inconspicuous, what makes it so gagworthy are the inscriptions on it. The bucket is “designed by Deadpool” and it “can also be used for popcorn.” Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios called the bucket “intentionally crude and lewd,” fitting in with the film’s renowned humour.

The bucket was unveiled by Ryan Reynolds via his X account, showcasing the myriad features in a short video set to the sound of ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’ from ‘2001: Space Odyssey.’ In the clip, the camera pans in on the plastic details of the Wolverine popcorn bucket as Deadpool gently strokes it. Subsequently, popcorn descends from above and fills Wolverine’s mouth; to cap it all, butter trickles down his nose. This entire time, the plastic tongue (or a part of it) sticks out, signifying the audience’s thirst (or even Deadpool’s).

War of the Popcorn Buckets

Movie merchandise is not a new concept. It’s been happening for years. Whether it is Star Wars’ light sabres, Inside Out’s personified emotions, or Barbie’s pink Corvette, it is one of the significant territories which churn out revenue for the producers. What’s new is the entertaining (albeit shameless) and suggestive nature of such merchandise. It is the polar opposite of WYSIWYG. Never in a million years, would we have thought of the bang-ability of a mere bucket. But it’s 2024. Anything can happen!

But that’s not all, Microsoft joined in on the fun and released a new Xbox controller, shaped like Deadpool’s derriere. Now this is the definition of business in the front, party in the back. I might not have detailed notes of the previous World Wars, but I am constantly munching on the “War of the Popcorn Buckets.”

Image Courtesy – Chris Plante

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