In 2021, Frank Herbert’s famous science fiction story came to life on the big screen. Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve created a remarkable film called Dune. This film was a huge achievement in cinema, winning over many fans across the globe.
Villeneuve’s version of Dune impressed viewers and critics alike. It succeeded in ways that earlier adaptations had failed by capturing the deep and complicated nature of the original novel. His careful attention to the source material showed respect for Herbert’s work.
One of Villeneuve’s smartest decisions while adapting the book was to divide it into two movies. This allowed the story to be told in a way that gave enough time to develop the complex characters and intricate plotlines.
With this approach, Villeneuve could show the themes and ideas presented in the novel more deeply. This also enabled him to focus on character development, something that earlier films had not done as well.
The first part of the movie was released in 2021, and it received much praise for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and strong storytelling. This film quickly became one of the best films of the year, and it set high expectations for the sequel.
The anticipation for Dune: Part Two grew immensely as fans eagerly awaited the continuation of the story. T
he sequel was released in 2024 and instantly became one of the best films of the year. It captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, further solidifying Dune’s place in modern cinema.
With the success of both films, there was even an announcement for a third movie titled Dune: Messiah, which excited fans about the potential for more stories from this universe.
The Dune Universe Expands
The Dune universe is vast and filled with rich lore. It consists of various stories, characters, and themes that interconnect throughout the novels.
To build on this universe, the first spin-off series titled Dune: Prophecy will be released. This series is set to be a Max Original, further expanding the world created by Frank Herbert.
Dune: Prophecy was originally titled Dune: The Sisterhood. The series will follow the rise of the powerful group known as the Bene Gesserit. This sisterhood plays a significant role in the Dune saga.
They are known for their incredible skills and abilities, as well as their influence over politics and power dynamics in the universe.
Fans of the Dune novels will be excited to see how this series develops their origin story and shows their impact on the universe.
When and Where Will Dune: Prophecy Come Out?
A Dune spin-off has been in development at HBO since 2019, which was two years before the release of the Dune film in 2021.
On November 22, 2022, former director Johan Renck announced that production had begun. He mentioned that the series would show events that took place thousands of years before the story we know.
He stated, “Through machinations taking place millennia before the story you all know, we descend into the coven that one day shall be named the Bene Gesserit.”
However, Renck later left the project, and Anna Foerster took over as the director. Thankfully, this change will not delay the release of the series any further. Dune: Prophecy is officially set to debut on November 17, 2024, and it will be available for streaming on Max.
Does Dune: Prophecy Have a Trailer Yet?
Set thousands of years before the birth of Paul Muad’dib Atreides, Dune: Prophecy will tell the story of a sisterhood aiming to change the future.
The first trailer for the Max series was released just one month before the series’ debut. This trailer gives fans their best glimpse yet at the world of Dune, showing a different perspective from what was seen in the films.
The trailer is filled with tension and drama, capturing the essence of Herbert’s universe in a way we have never seen before. Each glance across a table or moment of eye contact feels heavy with significance.
The fate of humanity rests in the hands of the emerging sect known as the Bene Gesserit. This creates a strong sense of anticipation for the series and leaves viewers eager to learn more about these characters and their struggles.
What Is the Plot of Dune: Prophecy?
The Dune universe is incredibly vast, with stories that extend to the farthest corners of space and cover thousands of years.
Frank Herbert created one of the most detailed and immersive fictional worlds in literature. The depth of his storytelling is comparable to that of J.R.R. Tolkien, who is known for his work on The Lord of the Rings.
The plot of Dune: Prophecy takes place about 10,000 years before the events of Dune and before the birth of the prophesied Kwisatz Haderach, who is Paul Atreides.
The series will draw inspiration from the book Sisterhood of Dune, written by Frank Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson.
This book is set in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad, a significant event that destroys all forms of computers and intelligent technology.
The storyline will follow the oldest children of the Harkonnen family, Griffin and Valya. These characters will serve as the inspiration for the leads in the series as they attempt to rebuild their family’s fortune and name.
Their journey will eventually lead to the rise of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful group in the Dune universe.
The Bene Gesserit are known as one of the most influential forces in the Dune world. They can be thought of as a mix of space witches and monks, meticulously plotting and planning to control their future. They seek to influence the politics and power dynamics within the universe.
In the first movie, we catch a glimpse of the Bene Gesserit through characters like the Reverend Mother, played by Charlotte Rampling, and Paul’s mother, played by Rebecca Ferguson. The upcoming series will go deeper into their origins and expand on their mythology.
The official synopsis for Dune: Prophecy, released by Max, states: “Set 10,000 years before the events of Dune, the series follows sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen as they combat forces that threaten the future of humanity, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.”
During this year’s New York Comic-Con, Collider’s Steve Weintraub had the opportunity to speak with the cast and crew about the upcoming series.
Showrunner and executive producer Alison Schapker explained that the series takes place in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad.
This was a period when humanity rose against artificial intelligence. Schapker said: “This show is about the origin of the Bene Gesserit, the sisters you might have seen in Denis [Villeneuve]’s movies if you watch them. We’re set 10,000 years before the film, but we’re in the distant future.
We’re also 10,000 years from now, and we are in the shadow of The Great Machine Wars. Humans have defeated artificial intelligence, and thinking machines are banned.
Now humanity is in a period of rebuilding. We sometimes joke that it’s the Dark Ages of Dune. The great schools are rising, and one of these great schools is the sisterhood, the Bene Gesserit. We’re going to see how they rose to power.”
Understanding the Series
A major question many fans have is how accessible the upcoming spinoff will be for those who may not be familiar with the Dune universe.
This was also addressed in the New York Comic-Con interview. Schapker mentioned, “Dune is so dense, it’s so well thought out, it’s so vivid, and it wouldn’t be Dune unless we embrace that aspect of it.
It goes back to what the cast is saying, when you try to ground everything through character, I do believe it becomes more understandable.
We really try to have multiple levels in the show. So if you’ve never seen the movies or if you haven’t read the books, you can come in through these characters and discover the world.
But for those who have, we want to have a rich, exciting, dense experience. That was really a needle we tried to thread quite consciously.”
This approach aims to welcome both newcomers to the Dune saga and longtime fans. The creators want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the series, regardless of their prior knowledge.
By focusing on character development, viewers will be able to engage with the story and understand its themes without needing to have read every book or seen every film.
Who Is in the Cast of Dune: Prophecy?
One of the significant strengths of the Dune movie was its impressive cast, and Dune: Prophecy is following this successful path. The casting choices will be crucial in bringing these characters to life and allowing the audience to connect with them on a deeper level.
Emily Watson, known for her work in Chernobyl and Punch-Drunk Love, will play the role of Valya Harkonnen. Valya is a fierce woman who gains power within the Sisterhood.
Jodhi May, who appeared in The Witcher, will take on the role of Empress Natalya. Natalya is an important character who unites thousands of worlds through her marriage to the Emperor.
Mark Strong, known for his roles in Shazam! and Sherlock Holmes, will star as Emperor Javicco Corrino. He comes from a lineage of great leaders called upon to govern the Imperium during a time of unrest.
Travis Fimmel, famous for his work in Vikings, has also joined the cast. He will portray a charismatic warrior seeking the Emperor’s trust, even if it means going against the Sisterhood.
Olivia Williams, known for her role in The Sixth Sense, will play Tula Harkonnen, an early member of House Harkonnen and the Bene Gesserit.
The series will also feature actors Jade Anouka, Chris Mason, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, and Chloe Lea, who will take on critical roles within the narrative.
Originally, Shirley Henderson and Indira Varma were set to play Tula Harkonnen and Empress Natalya, respectively, but they dropped out in early 2023.
The new stars, Watson and Williams, revealed what to expect from their characters and what attracted them to the project during the New York Comic-Con interview.
Watson expressed her enthusiasm by saying, “I was reading the story, and the scripts are a really, really tasty, delicious, complicated mess of a dish to get your teeth into because the Harkonnens are a very, very messed up family, right from the off.
Valya and Tula Harkonnen have had a very traumatic childhood, all of which comes out as the story proceeds, and yet they have set themselves on this path to try and control the destiny of humankind.
It feels as if they’re enabling themselves. There are no lengths to which they won’t go to do that. So, it has a lot of scope, put it that way, as an actor.”
Williams added her thoughts on the story, stating, “I just love that it’s about two families, each one wanting to control a piece of land, and the consequences go on for thousands of years.
Let me think of a modern parallel with that… It’s telling human stories through myth and legend, and that’s what actors like to do.”
Who Is Making Dune: Prophecy?
Denis Villeneuve’s vision for the Dune universe is something extraordinary, and he will continue to shape this vision as an executive producer for Dune: Prophecy.
The series has faced several production setbacks, with some key players leaving the project, but the creative team has persevered to bring this new story to life.
The series initially had showrunners Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker. However, Ademu-John exited the project in November 2022, leaving Schapker as the sole showrunner.
Emmy-winning director Johan Renck, known for his work on Chernobyl and Breaking Bad, was supposed to direct the first two episodes but also left the series in February 2023.
In a statement to Variety, an HBO spokesperson mentioned, “There are some creative changes being made to the production in an effort to create the best series possible and stay true to the source material.
Johan Renck has completed his work on the series, and a new director will be brought on; through mutual agreement, Johan is moving on to pursue other projects.”
While it is unclear how much of Renck’s work will be used in the final product, we do know that Anna Foerster will direct several episodes. The series is currently in post-production and is on track to release later this year.
During an interview with cinematographer Pierre Gill, it was revealed that Dune: Prophecy was filmed on real sets instead of using virtual production techniques.
Gill stated, “The thing with Dune: Prophecy is that we didn’t use a volume because there was no need for it as most sets were built, and we could achieve the visuals without it.
It was a huge build, so it’s very different.” This decision highlights the commitment to creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for viewers.
Will Dune: Prophecy Last More Than One Season?
With a universe as expansive as Dune, it’s easy to envision a series that could go on for multiple seasons.
However, as of now, there has been no confirmation regarding the length of the series or if it will have more than one season. Despite this uncertainty, the cast and crew have hinted at future possibilities during the New York Comic-Con interview.
Showrunner Alison Schapker mentioned, “We do have a plan, and they’ve been eager to hear all of it.”
Executive Producer Jordan Goldberg expanded on this by stating, “They want it character-driven, they want it thought-provoking, and they just asked us to constantly make it surprising, propulsive, and visually breathtaking.
When you say the word Dune, it requires large-scale filmmaking. HBO Max and Legendary never told us to pull back. They always told us to push and make it epic, and that’s what we did.”
This enthusiasm for creating a grand and immersive experience suggests that the team behind Dune: Prophecy is committed to delivering a series that will attract audiences and possibly lay the groundwork for further scheme of the Dune universe. Fans can only hope for more stories and deeper connections within this extraordinary world.
A New Chapter in the Dune Saga
As the Dune franchise continues to expand with the addition of Dune: Prophecy, fans are filled with excitement and anticipation.
This series promises to show the rich history and origin of the Bene Gesserit, a key group in the Dune universe.
With a talented cast, a dedicated production team, and a focus on character-driven storytelling, Dune: Prophecy aims to attract both newcomers and longtime fans of the franchise.
The release of the series is just around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to go deeper into the Dune universe.
As viewers prepare to witness the rise of the Bene Gesserit and the struggles of the Harkonnen sisters, the hope is that the series will do justice to Herbert’s vision while creating a fresh and engaging experience for a new generation of fans.
Dune: Prophecy is shaping up to be a significant addition to the Dune franchise. The series has the potential to show uncharted territory and uncover new aspects of this beloved universe.
Fans are eagerly waiting for November 17, 2024, when they can finally go into this exciting new chapter of the Dune saga.
