Collectible popcorn buckets have turned into a staple for movie theaters attempting post-pandemic recovery. However, the latest theater merchandise reveals a distinct lack of creative imagination in modern food receptacles.
The Return of the Sandworm
Following the viral success of the Sandworm popcorn bucket for Dune: Part Two two years ago, AMC Theatres has decided to release two themed containers for Dune: Part Three. The theater chain is offering the Sandworm Thumper and the Double Sandworm, both featuring worm-shaped hand openings, with the latter containing two holes.
Incorporating a second hole allows two individuals to reach for popcorn simultaneously, while further emphasizing the sexual innuendo that many cinema-goers associated with the original bucket’s design. Despite its functional updates, the new design remains largely uninspired.
Novelty and the Future of Collectibles
While serving snacks from unusually shaped boxes can sometimes offer entertainment, novelty has clear limitations. AMC previously found success with humorous concepts like a handbag-shaped container for The Devil Wears Prada 2, a Trojan Horse bucket for The Odyssey, and a Guile Hair wearable bucket for Street Fighter, but these remain rare exceptions.
The original Sandworm bucket likely gained traction because its creators seemingly failed to foresee how the public would perceive its unconventional shape, making its oddity feel accidental. Most subsequent popcorn releases lack that same accidental charm, resulting in uninspired designs that fail to capture the spirit of major blockbuster franchises.
