Dune TV Series Undergoes Big Change
Interesting news for Dune fans: Inverse reports that Max is changing the name of their exciting prequel series from Dune: The Sisterhood to Dune: Prophecy. As the prior name might suggest, the series focuses on the mysterious Bene Gesserit—the enigmatic order of Jedi-like women sporting extraordinary abilities.
The Dune Series Will Focus On The Bene Gesserit
The upcoming project is a Max original series delving into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the order equal parts revered and feared. Considered “witches” by some, their clandestine society remains shrouded in secrecy.
The series will be set nearly 10,000 years before Dune: Part 1, and fans excitedly expect it to explore the founding of the Bene Gesserit—an event unfolding amidst a galaxy reeling from the Butlerian Jihad’s ban on artificial intelligence. Dune: Prophecy will also cover events just prior to the Spacing Guild’s monopoly on space travel.
The Dune Series Showrunners Have Changed
The journey producing the project has not been unlike the shifting machinations of political intrigue in Dune—well, maybe not that intense.
John Spaihts, part of the production team behind Dune: Part 1, was initially signed on as showrunner, only to be replaced by Diane Ademu-John in 2021, who departed the following year. As of now, Alison Schapker helmes the series as its lone showrunner.
More Action Oriented Sci-Fi Series?
Fans were thrilled earlier in Dune: Prophecy’s production history when Denis Villeneuve, the acclaimed director of both Dune: Part 1 and Dune: Part 2, was attached to direct the pilot.
But their excitement has dimmed somewhat: the director’s chair—at least for the pilot—passed to Johan Renck. Then, similarly to the showrunner saga, it shifted to yet another director, Anna Foerster.
Many believe her involvement signals a potential shift toward a more action-oriented sci-fi series.
Emily Watson Leads The Cast
Regardless of the name change, the show will enjoy a stellar ensemble cast. It includes the super-talented Emily Watson portraying Valya Harkonnen, who fans might recognize Watson from Angela’s Ashes, Punch-Drunk Love, or HBO’s Chernobyl.
Olivia Williams will also join Dune: Prophecy’s cast as Tula Harkonnen; the actress played memorable roles in Rushmore, The Sixth Sense, and The Crown. Also, look out for Jodhi May as Empress Natalya—remembered for her portrayal of Maggy the Frog in Game of Thrones and her work on The Witcher, in addition to her win, at age 12 (!), for Best Actress award at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival for her role in A World Apart.
A talented cast, indeed.
It’s A Prequel Series
Of interest is the fact that none of these characters derive from Frank Herbert’s original six novels, although both Valya and Tula originate in the 2012 Sisterhood of Dune book.
Dune: Prophecy takes place in the year 5BG, a thousand years before the events of the recently released and produced films. The project details the founding of the shadowy Sisterhood; though Earth is referenced as the Bene Gesserit’s home planet, the series will likely focus on Wallach IX, the historical headquarters of the order.
Fremen Involved In Dune Series?
Details released about the series have mentioned Fremen characters, as well as the inclusion of royal courts, so expect Arrakis and noble locales (Kaitain and Selusa Secundus, for instance) to make much welcome appearances.
Expected to debut in late 2024, Dune: Prophecy could nonetheless experience delays. Regardless, fans can’t wait.
