Dune: Prophecy release date speculation, cast and latest news
The Dune universe is expanding.
Dune is expanding further into small-screen territory with a new HBO Max series, Dune: Prophecy.
Like Denis Villeneuve's Dune and its upcoming sequel, Dune Part 2, the project is based on Frank Herbert's epic sci-fi novel – but set thousands of years before Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) sets foot in Arrakis.
With an intriguing premise centring on a secret organisation of women – which goes on to become the powerful Bene Gesserit order – and a notable cast attached, the prequel promises to broaden Herbert's world.
The series has been initially titled Dune: The Sisterhood but has since been retitled.
But when will it arrive and who's in it? Read on to find out everything you need to know about Dune: Prophecy.
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Dune: Prophecy release date speculation
No official release date yet has been announced for the HBO Max series.
Dune Part 2 is set to land in March 2024. Production resumed for Dune: The Sisterhood last year after a creative overhaul.
We can likely expect the series in late 2024 at the earliest or even 2025.
As HBO Max is not currently available in the UK, it's unclear at this stage whether the series will air via Sky and NOW, and follow the release model of the likes of House of the Dragon and Succession.
Dune: Prophecy cast
The cast of Dune: Prophecy has been confirmed as the below.
- Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen
- Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen
- Jodhi May as Empress Natalya Corrino
- Sarah-Sofie Boussina as Princess Ynez Corrino
- Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela
- Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen
- Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline
- Chloe Lea as Lila
- Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart
- Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia
- Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides
- Mark Strong Emperor Javicco Corrino
- Josh Heuston as Constantine Corrino
- Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen
The series primarily focuses on the Harkonnen sisters Valya and Tula as they seek to mould a sisterhood into what will one day be the formidable Bene Gesserit. The role of Tula was originally due to be played by Shirley Henderson.
Jodhi May will portray the Emperor's consort Natalya, taking over from Indira Varma following a scheduling conflict. Mark Strong will portray the ruler of the Imperium and patriarch of House Corrino, Emperor Javicco Corriuno, while Sarah-Sofia Boussina will play his daughter and heir Princess Ynez.
Members of the Bene Gesserit in the series include the unpredictable Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham), a zealous acolyte Sister Emeline (Aoife Hinds), the young emotional Lila (Chloa Lea), and the ambitious Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka).
Shalom-Brune Franklin plays a Fremen woman named Mikaela who now serves the royal family, while Josh Heuston plays the Emperor's bastard son Constantine who is torn on how to serve his father.
Elsewhere, Travis Fimmel plays the charismatic warrior Desmond Hart, Chris Mason plays the swordmaster Kerian Atreides (an antecedent of Paul, played by Chris Mason), and Edward Davis plays the rising political player Harrow Harkonnen.
What is the Dune: Prophecy plot?
The official synopsis of Dune: Prophecy reads that we "follow the Harkonnen Sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit."
The series is set 10,000 years before Dune and will draw on the novel Sisterhood of Dune by Frank Herbet's son Brian Herbert and his co-author Kevin J. Anderson.
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Deadline reported the series will focus on the beginnings of the Bene Gesserit – the organisation to which Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, aka the creepy box lady in the films, belongs. Paul's mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) is also a Bene Gesserit.
The secret organisation of sorceresses rose to power in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad against the Thinking Machines and consists of women who are trained in The Voice (essentially mind control) and have great political influence across the Dune universe.
Is there a Dune: Prophecy trailer?
Not yet, but we'll share it as soon as it drops.
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