Frank Herbert’s iconic Dune series has finally made the jump to the small screen with the highly anticipated prequel series Dune: Prophecy. Developed by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, this expansive new show takes viewers on a thrilling journey 10,000 years before the events of the original Dune novel.
Delving into the Early Days of the Bene Gesserit At the heart of Dune: Prophecy are the Bene Gesserit, the powerful all-female religious order that has long manipulated the political machinations of the Imperium from the shadows. Played by the formidable duo of Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen and her sister Tula are determined to increase the Sisterhood’s influence, even if it means conspiring to put a Bene Gesserit on the imperial throne.
“The Bene Gesserit have always been one of the most fascinating aspects of the Dune universe,” says showrunner Alison Schapker. “This series gives us a chance to really dive into their origins and see how they rose to become the subtle, yet formidable, force we know them as in the later stories.”
A Galaxy-Spanning Tale of Intrigue and Prophecy While the Bene Gesserit may be the central focus, Dune: Prophecy weaves a complex tapestry of political intrigue, religious mysticism, and cosmic conspiracy that spans the far-flung reaches of the Imperium. Familiar names like Atreides, Harkonnen, and Corrino make appearances, but this is a world very much in flux, with new powers and alliances constantly shifting.
At the heart of it all is a prophecy from the Sisterhood’s founder, Mother Raquella, who foresaw the coming of a terrible tyrant that could bring the Bene Gesserit to their knees. “It’s that sense of foreboding and unease with power that really drives the narrative,” explains Schapker. “The characters are constantly wrestling with the consequences of their actions and the weight of their destiny.”
Bringing the Dune universe to life One of the most striking aspects of Dune: Prophecy is its visual splendor. With Denis Villeneuve’s recent big-screen adaptations setting a new benchmark for sci-fi spectacle, the series more than holds its own, immersing viewers in a galaxy that is both familiar and completely alien.
“We wanted to capture the scale and grandeur of the Dune universe, but also explore some of the lesser-known corners,” says executive producer Diane Ademu-John. “Every frame transports you to this incredible world, from the opulent imperial palaces to the harsh, windswept landscapes of Arrakis.”
A Talented Ensemble Rises to the Challenge Anchoring this visually stunning saga is a talented ensemble cast, led by the powerhouse pairing of Emily Watson and Olivia Williams as the Harkonnen sisters. “They have such an incredible chemistry and range, moving effortlessly between the political maneuvering and the more mystical, metaphysical elements of the story,” praises Schapker.
Joining them are a host of other standout performers, including Mark Strong as the embattled Emperor Javicco Corrino and Jodhi May as his politically savvy Empress Natalya. “This is a huge, sprawling cast, but everyone has really risen to the challenge of bringing these complex characters to life,” notes Ademu-John. A Bold New Chapter in the Dune Saga As the first major small-screen adaptation of the Dune universe, Dune: Prophecy represents a bold new chapter in the franchise’s history.
While it may not reach the same awe-inspiring heights as Villeneuve’s cinematic visions, the series more than holds its own, offering a richly detailed exploration of the Dune mythos that delves into unexplored corners and introduces a new generation of compelling characters. “This is a world that is ripe for deeper exploration,” says Schapker. “We’re just beginning this journey, and I eagerly anticipate audiences joining us.”