HBO unveiled a new trailer for its Dune prequel TV series, Dune: Prophecy, at New York Comic Con.
Unlike director Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, which see the rise of Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy sets its sights farther into the past of Frank Herbert’s popular sci-fi novels. More specifically, Dune Prophecy is set 10,000 years before Dune. As such, the series will give fans a look at the Bene Gesserit‘s mysterious origins. Likewise, the series will emphasize just how valid their claim is to have their plans measured in centuries.
The press release for Dune: Prophecy indicates that the show will center on two Harkonnen sisters as they confront threats to humanity’s future and lay the foundations for the Bene Gesserit. The series stars Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen, Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen, Jodhi May as Empress Natalya, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez, Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Chloe Lea as Lila, Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart, Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino, Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia, and Chris Mason as Kieran Atreides.
The New York Comic Con panel today offered a bit more insight into the series and characters. Being set in the distant past of the Dune world we’re already familiar with, it will show the dawn of the fledgling Imperium, as well as a school for women that eventually becomes the Bene Gesserit. It will explore its members at the beginning of their craft as they begin to develop their signature abilities. However, while it’ll peek into that secret world, it won’t rob the Bene Gesserit members of their mystique.
The show will have a grand scope, and—as those character names suggest—will focus on the Harkonnens, whose appeal is “they’re just messed up,” according to Watson. Her character aims to shape the fate of humanity at large, no matter what the cost. Expect Dune: Prophecy to echo the visual language seen in the films, while also establishing its own look and feel. Also, according to the panel: “Everyone has a knife!”
Dune: Prophecy‘s show credits feel akin to the numerous key figures in the Bene Gesserit with how many folks pull double and triple duty on the show. Key among them is Alison Schapker, who serves as Dune: Prophecy‘s showrunner, head writer, and executive producer alongside Alison Schapker. She’s accompanied by co-developer and executive producer Diane Ademu-John and Anna Foerster (its third executive producer).
But wait, there’s more. Other executive producers include Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert (for Frank Herbert’s estate), Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts. Suffice it to say, many hands touched this show, so hopefully, its result won’t be a mess of too many cooks in the kitchen.
Dune: Prophecy will officially release on November 17 on HBO and Max.
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