The “Dune” universe is about to expand once again with the upcoming release of “Dune: Prophecy” later this year, and it’s set to air on one of the top streaming services, Max. Originally titled “Dune: The Sisterhood,” it will be based on Herbert and Kevin J Anderson’s first novel in their Great Schools of Dune prequel trilogy.
Following the success of Denis Villeneuve's film adaptation of Herbert's iconic sci-fi saga, this latest installment promises to explore the history of Arrakis, the noble houses and, most importantly, the Brotherhood.
So far, we've been treated to two teaser trailers for “Dune: Prophecy” with the majority of the cast confirmed, but the coming months will likely bring a full trailer that will really delve into what to expect from the series. For now, we've rounded up the latest updates on the cast, plot developments, and even episode guide information. And as the release date draws nearer, we'll continue to return to this page with exciting updates.
Without further ado, here's what you need to know about this highly anticipated sequel to the legendary saga, coming very soon to Max.
Release date of “Dune: Prophecy”
THE First trailer for “Dune: Prophecy” revealed a release date window of September, October, or November this year. However, the most recent trailer confirmed that the series will hit the small screen sometime this year. November 2024. This means we won't have long to wait before the highly anticipated prequel series arrives on Max.
It is also likely that this series will air weekly, like “House of the Dragon”, so the final episode could air in December.
IMDb has already listed the names of the first three episodes (and it looks like there will be six episodes in total). These names include “The Hidden Hand,” “Two Wolves,” and “Sisterhood Above All.” not confirmed if these are the real titles.
The cast of “Dune: Prophecy”
“Dune: Prophecy” has actually undergone a number of major casting changes since the spinoff was ordered in 2019 by Legendary Television. After some creative shuffling, the final cast list was confirmed to run between November 2022 and June 2023. Alison Schapker became the showrunner and Anna Foerster served as the director for several episodes.
There are many characters in this prequel, but only a few of them have recurring roles. However, don't expect to see Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, or Rebecca Ferguson, as this series takes place 10,000 years before their time.
Here are all the confirmed cast members:
- Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen, leader of the Brotherhood
- Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart, a soldier who seeks to gain the Emperor's trust at the expense of the Brotherhood
- Marc Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino, who manages a fragile peace within the Corrino Empire
- Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen, Valya's sister and a reverend mother
- Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez, a princess who faces the pressures of her responsibility as heir to the Golden Lion Throne
- Taboo as Sister Francesca, the Emperor's former lover
- Jodhi May as Empress Natalia, a fearsome royal who united thousands of worlds in her marriage to Emperor Corrino
- Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, an acolyte who brings a fervent religion to her training in the Brotherhood
- Josh Heuston like Constantine Corrin, the illegitimate son of Javicco
- Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, a fierce and unpredictable sidekick in training at the Sisterhood School
- Shalom Brune-Franklin like Mikaela, a strong-willed Fremen woman
- Jihae as Reverend Mother Kasha Jinjo, the Emperor's truth teller
- Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia, a talented and ambitious acolyte of the Brotherhood
- Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides, a swordmaster of a great house
- Chloe Lea as Lila, the youngest sidekick at the sisters' school
- Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea, founder and leader of the Schismatic Orthodox Brotherhood
- Callum Coates as Lord Hagal, who rules the House of Hagal
- Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen, a promising politician from a once-great family
First look at Tabu as Sister Francesca in the series “DUNE: PROPHECY”. pic.twitter.com/IrNYBsAKrsAugust 13, 2024
The plot of “Dune: Prophecy”
“Dune: Prophecy” is set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ (Timothée Chalamet) rise to power, focusing on two sisters of House Harkonnen as they navigate challenges that threaten the future of humanity and pave the way for the creation of the Bene Gesserit order.
This prequel series is based on the novel “Sisterhood of Dune,” written by Brian Herbert, son of original “Dune” author Frank Herbert, with Kevin J. Anderson. It delves into the rich history of the “Dune” universe, building on the foundation laid by the novel to explore the origins of key characters and institutions that are essential to the series.
The latest trailer sheds light on the early years of the Bene Gesserit, highlighting their internal power struggles and strategic maneuvering across the vastness of space. As the trailer stated, “You wish to serve the Great Houses and shape the flow of power. You must first exercise power over yourself.”
“Dune: Prophecy” takes place from the perspective of the Bene Gesserit, a secret order of women who have developed extraordinary abilities through their mastery of body and mind. As they navigate feudal politics and the intrigues of the Imperium, they work skillfully to advance their own hidden agendas, leading them to the planet Arrakis.
The official synopsis reads: “Set 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, DUNE: PROPHECY follows two Harkonnen sisters as they battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and establish the legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”
“Dune: Prophecy” Trailers
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Max released the first official trailer back in May, when he announced that the prequel series would be coming to the streamer this fall. It's only a minute and 30 seconds long, but it gave us a good look at the characters.
To be honest, the teaser is breathtaking, even thrilling. The warm tones and classic ambient music immediately make us understand that we are in the world of “Dune”. The spaceships, costumes and cult images of the Brotherhood immerse us in this universe while giving us a brief glimpse of what awaits us.
Then, in July, another teaser trailer was released alongside the confirmed November 2024 release date. In the final preview, Emily Watson's character Valya explains how to control the “flow of power.” Another member of the Bene Gesserit warns a group, saying, “The more influence our brotherhood gains, the more enemies we make.”
We also see how the Brotherhood's influence over the “levers of power” is increasing, but Valya recognizes that their hold is still weak. She tells her sister Tula, “I'm trying to protect the Imperium. Sacrifices must be made.”
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Are you excited to see this prequel series? Stream both “Dune” movies on Max or check out these five best movies like “Dune.”