While atNew York Comic Con,Dune: Prophecy’s executive producer, Allison Schapkey, explains how the prequel series will show a different side of the Bene Gesserit. Taking place 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, the upcoming prequel seriesfocuses on the mysterious sisterhood of witches and traces their formationin the early days to protect humankind from threats.Dune: Prophecywill be ledby Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, who portray sisters Valya Harkonnen and Tula Harkonnen.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rantat NYCC, Schapkey revealed some differences between the Bene Gesserit in the show and Denis Villeneuve’s movies. She explained that thesisterhood in the movies is already mysterious, ruthless, and powerful, while theprequel will show their fragility during their foundation. She also highlighted Valya as a key figure who will “grow” and “protect” the institution to “ensure its survival.” Check out her full comment below:
“I think when you see the Bene Gesserit in the films, first of all, you’re really seeing their forward face. They cultivate such a mystique, such a mystery. And they’re out there being ruthless and decisive and powerful and trying to play every angle and manipulate every possible outcome. And they’re very much in their power. And I think in our series you’re watching, like I said, the birth of that and you’re seeing behind the scenes what goes into making an organization like that. And I think Valya Harkonnen is going to take a young institution that’s fragile, that is under attack in certain ways, and she’s going to grow it and protect it and fight for it and ensure its survival. And how that happens is how we are different, but also speak to the Bene Gesserit later when it’s in its full power.”
What Schapkey’s Comment Means For Dune: Prophecy
It’s A Different Era ofDune
Loosely based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s 2012 bookSisterhood of Dune, the events in the series take place 80 years after the end of the Butlerian Jihad, which revolves around a conflict between humankind and AI, during which House Harkonnen falls from grace for producing a traitor in one of the key battles. The comment further confirms thatthe series will unveil an entirely different era in theDuneuniverse.
Dune: Prophecy Timeline - How Long Before The Movies It’s Set
Dune: Prophecy will take place several millennia before the events of Dune but will still feature Harkonnens, Carrinos, Atreides, & the Bene Gesserit.
By delving deep into the early stories of theinstitution later known as the Bene Gesserit,Dune: Prophecywill unveil the mystery of the sisterhood and address some burning questions about the witch group,such as how and why they were formed. Focusing on Valya suggests that the series will explore Bene Gesserit’s deep-rooted connection with House Harkonnen. This is particularly key due to the connection between the Harkonnen and Atreides families, which became fundamental in Paul’s rise inDune: Part Two.
Our Take on Dune: Prophecy
Dune: ProphecySets Up A Dark Bene Gesserit Story
By the time Paul Atreides was born, the Bene Gesserit had become the most influential organization in the universe, and Valya played a crucial role in leading the sisterhood to power. However, her story and place in House Harkonnen played a part in the Bene Gesserit’s scheme. By connecting the dots, the prequel will shed new light onthe feud between House Harkonnen and Atreides, putting the latter events in perspective.
With the show adding new characters and storylines to the source material, the upcoming prequel series is full of intrigues and will likely offer some unexpected insights that might change how viewers feel about the movies.
Dune: Prophecyisn’t just about the sisterhood of secrecy and scheme. Through their lenses, the seriescaptures the houses at an early stage. Being a story about power,the series will no doubt bear a dark tone. With the show adding new characters and storylines to the source material, the upcoming prequel series is full of intrigues and will likely offer some unexpected insights that might change how viewers feel about the movies.
Dune: Prophecyis scheduled to be released in November 2024 on Max.
Dune: Prophecy
Cast
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, Dune: Prophecy, a sci-fi epic, follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.
