Normally, I steer clear of spoilers from trailers, but when The Voice commanded me to watch the trailer for Dune: Prophecy, every ounce of choice was taken away from me. Thankfully, the HBO teaser did not disappoint, offering an electrifying glimpse into the origins of one of science fiction’s most enigmatic organizations: the Bene Gesserit.
Set 10,000 years “BC” (Before Chalamet, hehe), this six-part series will unravel the mysterious beginnings of the Bene Gesserit, the powerful sisterhood that shapes the destiny of humanity in Frank Herbert’s universe.
The two and a half-minute trailer introduces Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen, demonstrating the early manifestations of the Bene Gesserit’s legendary abilities. Alongside flashes of Travis Fimmel’s mysterious character Desmond Hart, HBO teases us with a visually stunning montage of chaos and transformation: riots tear through the streets, fires rage, and the vast spice fields of Arrakis make their presence known amidst sweeping desert landscapes (even Shai-Hulud makes an appearance).
Dune: Prophecy will follow two Harkonnen sisters as they confront existential threats to humanity and establish what will become the legendary Bene Gesserit order. The series will center on a fledgling school for women that will eventually evolve into the sophisticated sisterhood known throughout the Dune universe.
Mark Strong will portray Emperor Javicco Corrino, an ascendant of Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films. Meanwhile, Chris Mason will play Kieran Atreides, an ancestor to Duke Leto and Paul Atreides.
Though the series differs from Villeneuve’s Dune films, executive producer Jordan Goldberg confirmed that it inhabits the same visual universe. “We feel like we have to follow the essence of what Denis has done. He set the tone,” Goldberg explained. As such, we can expect a blend of political intrigue, espionage, action, adventure, romance, and even horror elements.
What makes the upcoming HBO series particularly intriguing is its setting in a “neo-feudal meets sci-fi futurism” world, as described by co-showrunner Alison Schapker. Following the devastating Machine Wars, humanity has rebuilt itself with strict limitations on technology – no computers allowed. This distinctive background is what lays the perfect canvas for exploring the development of the Bene Gesserit’s unique human-focused abilities.
In an interview with Total Film, Watson hinted at the series’ sophisticated approach, noting that it diverges from typical science fiction fare: “It’s not like Star Wars. It has a moral complexity, which is interesting.” And for those concerned about maintaining the mystique of the Bene Gesserit, the creators have promised to reveal their origins while preserving their obscure nature.
Dune: Prophecy will premiere on November 17 on HBO and Max, a week after the final episode of The Penguin airs.
