Before Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) began his controversial rise to power and eventually took the throne, the vast and complex universe of Dune was much different. The story of Dune is one of politics, warfare, and power struggles between influential families.
However, before Paul’s time, things were quieter on the galaxy’s grand stage. Visiting other planets was uncommon, with only a few exceptions such as the home planets of the Atreides and Harkonnen families.
Now, with the introduction of Dune: Prophecy, we are about to enter a time in the past of the Dune universe that will provide deeper insight into the political world that formed Paul’s journey.
Set thousands of years before the events we know from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy, Dune: Prophecy promises to show the galaxy in ways we’ve never seen before.
The series takes us far beyond the iconic desert planet of Arakis, offering new and exciting locations across the galaxy.
The story centers on the Bene Gesserit, a secretive order of women with mysterious abilities. These women are far more powerful than they appear and have been manipulating the fate of the galaxy for generations.
Their true motives remain hidden, but one thing is clear: the Bene Gesserit will play a key role in shaping the future of the universe.
The new series aims to take Dune fans on a journey similar to Game of Thrones. While Dune has always been known for its complex political themes, Dune: Prophecy will likely go even deeper into the web of political intrigue, secrets, and betrayals that dominate the galaxy.
It’s a world where everyone has an agenda, and no one is truly safe. The Bene Gesserit, with their powerful influence, stand at the center of these conflicts. Their goals are unclear, but their actions will undoubtedly alter the fate of everyone involved.
Let’s take a look at some of the key characters in Dune: Prophecy and what their roles in this dangerous game of power might be.
Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson / Jessica Barden)
A central character in Dune: Prophecy is Valya Harkonnen, who will be portrayed by the two-time Oscar nominee Emily Watson.
The younger version of Valya will be played by Jessica Barden, known for her role in The End of the F**ing World*.
The name Harkonnen is synonymous with evil and tyranny in the Dune universe. The Harkonnen family is infamous for being one of the main antagonists in the story of Paul Atreides. However, at the time of Dune: Prophecy, the Harkonnens are at a low point.
Their power and influence have weakened, and the rivalry with the Atreides family is ongoing. In this period, Valya is a young woman who grows up in the declining Harkonnen house.
As we learn in the series, she becomes a bitter opponent of the Atreides family. Her hatred runs deep, fueled by frustration over her family’s fading power.
Valya’s journey leads her to the Bene Gesserit, a group she becomes involved with after feeling the failure of her family’s attempts to destroy the Atreides.
The Bene Gesserit have their own set of goals, and Valya quickly proves herself to be a master of their mysterious abilities, particularly The Voice.
The Voice is a unique skill that allows users to control others with their speech, and Valya excels in this area.
Through sheer determination and her powerful skills, Valya rises within the Bene Gesserit ranks and eventually becomes their second-ever Mother Superior.
As a leader of the organization, Valya will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the universe. Her rise to power, ironically, signals the eventual downfall of her own family, the Harkonnens.
Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams / Emma Canning)
Another important character in Dune: Prophecy is Tula Harkonnen, played by The Crown star Olivia Williams. Like Valya, Tula will also appear in flashbacks in her younger form, with Masters of the Air actress Emma Canning playing her in these sequences.
Tula is the younger sister of Valya Harkonnen, and she has lived her life fiercely loyal to her family. Where Valya chooses to become a part of the Bene Gesserit, Tula remains firmly within her family’s circle. However, Tula’s story is no less significant.
She becomes a high-ranking member of the Bene Gesserit herself and serves as a Reverend Mother. As a Reverend Mother, Tula wields immense power within the organization and is involved in the sisterhood’s complex plans.
Tula’s loyalty to her family is tested when she is betrothed to a member of the Atreides family. This marriage would seem to cement the rivalry between the two families, but like many things in Dune, it doesn’t go as planned.
The deep history of hatred between the Atreides and Harkonnens makes any union between the two houses difficult, and their tangled history will come to the forefront as Tula’s story unfolds.
Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel)
Travis Fimmel, known for his role as Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings, joins the cast of Dune: Prophecy as Desmond Hart.
His character could potentially be an equivalent to the beloved Dune character Duncan Idaho, played by Jason Momoa in the films. Hart’s past is filled with violence and battle scars, suggesting that he has seen much of the galaxy’s many conflicts.
Desmond Hart appears to be a dashing rogue, one who might be used to getting what he wants through force and cunning.
From what we know about his character, Hart seems to have little love for the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood.
The trailers hint at him conspiring with Emperor Corrino (played by Mark Strong) to take down the Bene Gesserit, a move that could be seen as part of the larger political struggles within the galaxy.
Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong)
Emperor Javicco Corrino, played by Mark Strong, is another key figure in the Dune: Prophecy universe. In the timeline of Dune: Prophecy, Emperor Javicco rules over the Imperium long before the reign of Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV (played by Christopher Walken in Dune).
Javicco Corrino’s role as Emperor is one of balancing the power struggles between the powerful houses within the Imperium.
As Emperor, Javicco is tasked with keeping peace in a galaxy filled with conflict. His main concern is preventing the empire’s houses from tearing each other apart.
The Bene Gesserit, despite their growing influence, are not something that Javicco is willing to allow into the inner workings of his government.
Javicco is determined to control the flow of power in the galaxy and prevent any one group from gaining too much influence.
Empress Natalya Arat Corrino (Jodhi May)
Jodhi May, known for her role as a queen in The Witcher, will play Empress Natalya Arat Corrino in Dune: Prophecy. As the wife of Emperor Javicco, Empress Natalya shares in the responsibility of ruling the Imperium.
Like many political unions in Dune, their marriage is not based on love but on the necessity of power and control. Their union brings vast territories and systems under the control of the Imperium.
Empress Natalya is a strategic leader who is concerned with managing the many systems under the Imperium’s rule. Her role alongside her husband will be crucial in the political view of the galaxy. Together, they will face the shifting allegiances and rivalries between the empire’s houses.
Other Characters in Dune: Prophecy
In addition to these key players, Dune: Prophecy boasts a large ensemble cast, with several notable actors taking on various roles. These include:
- Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez Corrino
- Josh Heuston as Prince Constantine Corrino
- Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia
- Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline
- Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides
- Shalom Bren-Franklin as Mikaela
- Tabu as Sister Franchesca
Though Dune: Prophecy takes place long before the events of the original Dune films, the series will certainly play with the themes of time and fate. Given the complex nature of the Dune universe, it’s possible that familiar faces could return in unexpected ways.
The Bene Gesserit are known for their visions of the future, and these visions could offer us glimpses of characters or events that tie into the larger Dune mythos.
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
Fans of Dune and Dune: Prophecy can look forward to the series premiering on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, exclusively on Max.
The series promises to expand the Dune universe in exciting new ways, providing a deeper understanding of the politics, power struggles, and mysteries that define this iconic sci-fi universe.
Dune: Prophecy promises to be an exciting addition to the Dune universe, offering a deep view into the galaxy’s political intrigues long before Paul Atreides’ rise to power.
With a rich ensemble cast portraying complex characters like Valya and Tula Harkonnen, Emperor Javicco Corrino, and the powerful Bene Gesserit, the series will show the manipulation and rivalries that shape the future of the Imperium.
Fans can expect a thrilling mix of political drama, personal ambition, and fate-defining decisions, all set against the backdrop of a vast and intricate galaxy. Dune: Prophecy is a must-watch for any Dune enthusiast.
