Despite the smashing box office success of Dune: Part Two, audiences have noticed the lack of promotion for the Max prequel series, Dune: Prophecy. What’s the reason behind the absence of even a brief glimpse for this much-anticipated series?
Shattering expectations, Dune: Part Two, featuring stars like Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson, achieved a significant milestone, collecting over $100 million in the US and $200 million globally within its opening days. This performance has set the film on a trajectory to potentially reach $600 to $700 million in box office revenue according to sources.
Yet, for all those fans who are indulging in the Dune universe on the big screen, a trailer for the upcoming Dune: Prophecy series on Max is conspicuously missing. There is a strategic reason behind this, as reported by industry insiders who reveal that the prequel is still in the middle of production. Having commenced filming in November 2022, the series is not quite ready to launch its promotional campaign with up to nine months remaining before its premiere this fall.
Dune: Prophecy was greenlit in June 2019, preceding the debut of Dune: Part One by over two years and even the announcement of HBO Max’s official branding. The series aims to enrich the cinematic experience by delving into the origins and insights of the enigmatic Bene Gesserit order, pivotal in Frank Herbert’s iconic novels and set a full 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ rise. The show bases some of its storytelling on the novel Sisterhood of Dune, co-authored by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
With a star-studded cast that includes Olivia Williams and Emily Watson as the Harkonnen sisters, Jodhi May as Empress Natalya, and Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart, alongside other notable talents, the series is shaping up to be a significant extension to the Dune saga. Creative leadership under Alison Schapker took the helm in February 2023, bringing a new direction to the show.
Denis Villeneuve, the visionary director of the Dune movies and an executive producer for the prequel, has expressed his intrigue and enthusiasm for the Bene Gesserit’s intricate role, commenting on the richness and relevance of their story for a television adaptation.
With the Max release set for the fall, there is palpable anticipation for Dune: Prophecy. Are you among the eager fans planning to catch the series when it launches?
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FAQs about ‘Dune: Prophecy’ and Its Promotions
- Why is there no trailer for ‘Dune: Prophecy’ in ‘Dune Part Two’ screenings?
According to sources, it is still too early to begin the marketing campaign for ‘Dune: Prophecy’ as the series is in ongoing production and the release date is several months away. - What is ‘Dune: Prophecy’ about?
The series will explore the backstory of the Bene Gesserit order, centuries prior to the events of the ‘Dune’ films, drawing inspiration from the novel ‘Sisterhood of Dune’. - Who is in the cast of ‘Dune: Prophecy’?
The cast includes Olivia Williams, Emily Watson, Jodhi May, Travis Fimmel, and several emerging talents. - When will ‘Dune: Prophecy’ be released?
The series is scheduled to debut on Max in the fall, although an exact release date has yet to be announced.
Conclusion
The strategy to hold back the trailer for Dune: Prophecy until closer to the series premiere date indicates a careful and calculated approach to marketing. The phenomenal performance of Dune: Part Two at the box office is already generating buzz, and the prequel series stands to capitalize on that momentum when it’s ready for the spotlight. As fans wait with bated breath, it’s only a matter of time before Max unveils the riches of the Bene Gesserit’s past and secures its place in the ever-expanding Dune universe.