“Dune: Prophecy” is an upcoming American sci-fi TV series based on Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, slated for release on the streaming service Max. Set around 10,000 years prior to the events of Herbert’s novel Dune (1965), it delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, an elite sisterhood known for their rigorous training and extraordinary abilities. Serving as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021), the series is produced by Legendary Television, with Alison Schapker serving as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
The project originated during Legendary Entertainment’s acquisition of Dune franchise rights in 2016, initially planned as a two-part film adaptation with Villeneuve attached as director by 2017. Legendary Television greenlit the series in 2019 as a spin-off from Villeneuve’s films. Following various creative developments, Schapker took the helm as showrunner, with Anna Foerster directing multiple episodes by June 2023. Casting occurred between November 2022 and June 2023, with filming commencing in Budapest and Jordan by November 2022 and concluding by December 2023.
Scheduled for a late 2024 premiere on Max, “Dune: Prophecy” unfolds 10,000 years before the events of Dune, centering on sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen. As they confront existential threats to humanity’s future, they lay the groundwork for the renowned Bene Gesserit sisterhood.
CHARACTERS
- Emily Watson portrays Valya Harkonnen.
- Olivia Williams depicts Tula Harkonnen.
- Jodhi May embodies Empress Natalya, a royal figure known for uniting thousands of worlds through her marriage to Emperor Corrino.
- Sarah-Sofie Boussnina plays Princess Ynez, an independent heir to the Golden Lion Throne, facing the weight of her responsibilities.
- Shalom Brune-Franklin portrays Mikaela, a Fremen woman serving the royal family while yearning for a homeland she has never known.
- Faoileann Cunningham appears as Sister Jen, a fierce acolyte at the Sisterhood School, characterized by her unpredictability.
- Aoife Hinds takes on the role of Sister Emeline, a fervent acolyte with a zealous religious background training at the Sisterhood.
- Chloe Lea features as Lila, the youngest acolyte at the Sisterhood School, known for her deep empathy.
- Travis Fimmel plays Desmond Hart, a charismatic soldier with a mysterious past striving to earn the Emperor’s trust at the expense of the Sisterhood.
- Mark Strong embodies Emperor Javicco Corrino, a leader from a prestigious line of wartime Emperors tasked with governing the Imperium.
- Jade Anouka portrays Sister Theodosia, an ambitious acolyte at the Sisterhood harboring a perilous secret.
- Chris Mason takes on the role of Keiran Atreides, a Swordmaster with aspirations to honor his family name, disrupted by an unexpected bond with a royal member.
- Josh Heuston appears as Constantine Corrino, torn between seeking his father’s approval and his own happiness as Javicco’s illegitimate son.
- Edward Davis portrays Harrow Harkonnen, a rising politician from a once-great family driven by a desire to restore his House’s former glory.
STORYLINE
“Dune: Prophecy” plunges into the intricate origins of the Bene Gesserit, a revered sisterhood known for their rigorous training and extraordinary abilities, unfolding approximately 10,000 years before Frank Herbert’s seminal work, “Dune” (1965). Serving as a precursor to Denis Villeneuve’s recent cinematic adaptation of “Dune” (2021), the series meticulously explores the foundational components of the expansive Dune universe.
Central to the narrative are the formidable sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen, embarking on a perilous journey through a chaotic realm, striving to safeguard humanity’s future. Amidst myriad threats to their survival, the Harkonnen sisters undergo a transformative odyssey, culminating in the establishment of the illustrious Bene Gesserit sisterhood, renowned for their unmatched skills and far-reaching influence.
Set against a backdrop of political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and shifting allegiances, “Dune: Prophecy” delves deep into the intricate tapestry of power dynamics within the Dune universe. Characters like Empress Natalya, Princess Ynez, and Mikaela enrich the narrative fabric, each grappling with personal aspirations and challenges within a universe poised for monumental change.
