HBO’s upcoming prequel series “Dune: Prophecy” introduces a fresh lineage of Atreides and Harkonnen families, tracing its narrative back 10,000 years before the events depicted in Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed “Dune” films.
In this intriguing new series, audiences will not encounter Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, or Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan. Instead, the spotlight shines on their ancient ancestors, enriching the lore of the Dune universe. The series delves into the early days of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful order of women known for their influence in the political dynamics of the universe, elements already familiar to fans through characters such as Lady Jessica and Lady Margot.
“Dune: Prophecy” will reveal the long-standing rivalry between the Atreides and Harkonnen families, alongside a significant historical conflict between humans and intelligent machines. Leading the cast are Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, portraying Valya and Tula Harkonnen, two sisters intricately woven into the Bene Gesserit. Their ambitions include gaining control of the universe, manipulating Emperor Javicco Corrino—who is the precursor to Christopher Walken’s Emperor Shaddam IV—and restoring House Harkonnen to its former prestige. A critical part of their strategy involves spreading the Bene Gesserit’s influence and ingraining their ideologies within the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Ynez.
While the series largely diverges from the iconic desert setting of Arrakis known for its sandworms, it will still connect characters to the storied sands of Dune.
As anticipation builds for this new chapter in the Dune saga, fans can look forward to exploring deeper layers of the epic conflict and the rich history that has shaped this beloved universe.
This series promises to broaden the Dune narrative, showcasing how the complexities of family dynamics and power struggles have endured through generations. The exploration of foundational elements such as the Bene Gesserit’s origins adds a layer of depth, making “Dune: Prophecy” a worthy addition to the franchise.