The vast, intricate world of Dune is set to expand once again with the upcoming series Dune: Prophecy, which will delve deeper into the lore of Arrakis, the noble houses, and, most crucially, the origins of the Sisterhood. Originally titled Dune: The Sisterhood, this prequel series is based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel Sisterhood of Dune, the first in their Great Schools of Dune prequel trilogy. With Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation of Dune receiving critical acclaim, the anticipation for this prequel series is palpable. Here’s everything you need to know about Dune: Prophecy before its release later this year.
Release Date
Fans of the Dune saga won’t have to wait much longer for the prequel series. Dune: Prophecy is scheduled for release in November 2024 on Max, the streaming service known for its high-quality content. Initially teased in May with a release window spanning September to November, the latest trailer confirmed a November launch. The series is expected to follow a weekly episode release model, similar to House of the Dragon, potentially wrapping up in December. IMDb listings suggest that the first three episodes are titled “The Hidden Hand,” “Two Wolves,” and “Sisterhood Above All,” though these titles remain unconfirmed.
Series Background and Plot
The prequel series Dune: Prophecy, originally conceived under the working title Dune: The Sisterhood, draws its narrative from the book Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The plot centers on the Harkonnen Sisters, portrayed by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, who navigate a universe fraught with peril, as they strive to establish the Bene Gesserit, a powerful and mysterious order that will play a critical role in the future of the Dune saga. The recently released trailer teases the early struggles and triumphs of the Bene Gesserit, highlighting the intense power dynamics and strategic maneuvering that define this period in the Dune timeline.
Cast
The journey to finalize the cast of Dune: Prophecy has been an interesting one, marked by several significant changes since the series was first ordered by Legendary Television in 2019. The final cast, solidified between November 2022 and June 2023, features a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars, each bringing to life characters pivotal to the prequel’s narrative.
Confirmed Cast Members:
- Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen: The determined leader of the Sisterhood, Valya is a key figure in the formation of the Bene Gesserit.
- Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart: A soldier with ambitions to gain the Emperor’s trust, even at the cost of the Sisterhood’s welfare.
- Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino: The ruler of the Corrino Empire, struggling to maintain a fragile peace.
- Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen: Valya’s sister and a revered Reverend Mother, Tula plays a significant role in the Sisterhood’s history.
- Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez: The heir to the Golden Lion Throne, grappling with the pressures of her position.
- Tabu as Sister Francesca: The Emperor’s former lover, whose past and connections shape her influence within the Sisterhood.
- Jodhi May as Empress Natalya: The formidable Empress, known for uniting thousands of worlds through her marriage to Emperor Corrino.
- Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline: A fervently religious acolyte, dedicated to her training within the Sisterhood.
- Josh Heuston as Constantine Corrino: The Emperor’s illegitimate son, whose existence complicates the political landscape.
- Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen: A fierce and unpredictable acolyte at the Sisterhood School.
- Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela: A strong-willed Fremen woman, representing the desert-dwelling people of Arrakis.
- Jihae as Reverend Mother Kasha Jinjo: The Emperor’s Truthsayer, whose insights guide the political intrigue of the empire.
- Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia: A talented and ambitious acolyte, navigating the treacherous waters of the Sisterhood.
- Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides: A Swordmaster serving a Great House, hinting at the early connections between the Atreides and the larger universe.
- Chloe Lea as Lila: The youngest acolyte at the Sisterhood School, representing the future of the Bene Gesserit.
- Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea: The founder and leader of the schismatic Orthodox Sisterhood, a faction that challenges the traditional Bene Gesserit.
- Callum Coates as Lord Hagal: The leader of House Hagal, adding another layer to the intricate political web.
- Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen: A rising politician from a once-great family, whose ambitions may shape the future of the empire.
Production and Direction
Behind the scenes, Dune: Prophecy has seen its share of changes, particularly in its leadership. Diane Ademu-John was originally slated to co-showrun and serve as an executive producer but stepped down from her role in 2022. This led to Alison Schapker stepping in as the sole showrunner, ensuring a consistent vision for the series moving forward. The first episode will be directed by Johan Renck, who also serves as an executive producer, bringing his unique directorial style to the ambitious project.
In addition to Schapker and Renck, the production boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, Scott Z. Burns, Matthew King, John Cameron, and Cait Collins. Representing the legacy of Frank Herbert, the Herbert estate will have a significant presence, with Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, and Kim Herbert all serving as executive producers, alongside co-producer Kevin J. Anderson. The series is a collaborative effort between Max and Legendary TV, promising a production value that matches the grandeur of its source material.
Plot
Dune: Prophecy takes us back 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, focusing on the early history of the Bene Gesserit through the lives of two sisters from House Harkonnen, Valya and Tula. The series explores their struggles against forces that threaten the future of humanity, ultimately leading to the creation of the fabled Bene Gesserit order, an enigmatic and powerful sect of women with extraordinary abilities.
Inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune, the series delves into the origins of key characters and institutions that play a crucial role in the Dune saga. The story unfolds as the Bene Gesserit navigate the complex politics of The Imperium, strategically advancing their hidden agendas across the vastness of space. The internal power struggles within the Sisterhood and their maneuvering to exert influence over the “levers of power” are central to the plot, with the planet Arrakis serving as a key battleground.
The official synopsis encapsulates the essence of the series: “10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”
Trailers
The first teaser trailer for Dune: Prophecy was released in May, offering a glimpse into the world of the prequel series. The brief, 90-second trailer sets the tone with its warm hues and haunting, ambient score, immediately immersing viewers in the universe of Dune. The teaser showcases the intricate costumes, awe-inspiring spaceships, and the cult-like presence of the Sisterhood, providing a tantalizing preview of what’s to come.
A second teaser dropped in July, confirming the November 2024 release date and offering a deeper look at the internal dynamics of the Sisterhood. Emily Watson’s Valya Harkonnen discusses the concept of controlling the “flow of power,” while another member of the Bene Gesserit warns of the increasing number of enemies their order faces as their influence grows. The trailer also hints at the sacrifices Valya is willing to make to protect the Imperium, underscoring the high stakes at play.
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