In 1965, American author Frank Herbert published what would go on to become the science fiction genre’s definitive masterwork: Dune. It was a revolutionary sci-fi epic that spoke to the dangers of following charismatic leaders, the perils of religious fanaticism, and what power freely given to a tyrant looks like on a universal scale. Director Denis Villeneuve’s critically acclaimed film adaptations, Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), brought Herbert’s novel back into the public consciousness in a major way. Both movies collectively grossed over a billion dollars at the global box office and have garnered a loyal audience that is eagerly anticipating the third entry in his cinematic saga, Dune: Messiah.
However, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Messiah isn’t expected to start filming until 2026. So, in the meantime, HBO’s Dune: Prophecy hopes to hold you over and fill that void. Dune: Prophecy (originally titled Dune: The Sisterhood) is the latest addition to Warner Bros. and Legendary’s live-action Dune franchise. Set 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and 80 years after the infamous Butlerian Jihad, the HBO original series focuses on the two fledgling institutions of power that become central in Frank Herbert’s novels, the Corrino Empire, led by Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong), and the sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit, led by none other than (Emily Watson), distant ancestor of Stellan Skarsgård’s Vladamir Harkonnen.
Dune: Prophecy’s narrative primarily centers around these two institutions and the delicately balanced axis of power between them and the other Great Houses and factions. Within the Bene Gesserit, Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen has had her eyes set on the Imperial throne for decades. For her, there is no deed too dark if it serves to secure the sisterhood’s position. Alongside the Mother Superior is her sister, Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams). Tula shares her sister’s vision for a secure sisterhood but often disagrees with how cold and brash Valya’s approach can be. Their relationship is a highlight of the TV show, and the two veteran actresses share an incredible, devious chemistry on screen.
How Dune: Prophecy slowly unveils Vayla and Tula Harkonnen’s rise to power in the Imperium is, frankly, phenomenal. House Harkonnen maintains its reputation for being one deeply disturbed family. Supporting the Harkonnen sisters are two promising Bene Gesserit acolytes, Lila (Chloe Lea) and Theodosia (Jade Anouka), both of whom share unique relationships with the sisters. Theodosia, being more ambitious and clear-sighted, is taken under Valya’s tutelage. While Lila, who is kinder and not as hardened as her fellow initiates, forms an almost maternal relationship with Tula. The latter dynamic feels nurturing. Lila’s character is also given one of the most interesting subplots of the entire HBO series, her story will be of great interest to fans of Herbert’s books.
On Salusa Secundus, a political misstep threatens House Corrino’s tenuous hold on the newly reformed empire. Mark Strong’s Javicco Corrino may be the figurehead, but it’s his wife, Empress Natalya (Johdi May), who has the fortitude to make the political plays from the shadows to secure her family’s position, even if her actions directly clash with her daughter, Princess Ynez’s (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) own ambitions. House Corrino is rounded out by the black sheep of the family, Javicco’s bastard son, Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston), who initially seems more concerned with his vices than the machinations of the court. While all of these actors do a wonderful job, the House Corrino storylines lack the compelling drama seen within the Bene Gesserit.
If fans of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films are coming into this series expecting a as intricate, tight, and detailed, they may be in for a disappointment. Overall, Dune: Prophecy lacks the subtlety and thematic focus of Villeneuve’s Dune movies. Prophecy is more focused on the interpersonal conflicts between the characters as their ambitions clash. This isn’t necessarily a detriment — it’s a focal shift from the broader scope of the films. Additionally, this HBO show is not based on anything Frank Herbert himself has written; rather, it is adapted from his son Brian Herbert‘s prequel novel Sisterhood of Dune. If this is the first you’ve ever heard about this book, well… it’s because it’s not particularly good.
However, to its credit, Dune: Prophecy does a great job of breathing much-needed life into Brian Herbert’s novel. Much of this is thanks to showrunner Alison Schapker, whose impressive television writing credits include Fringe, Altered Carbon, and Alias. Schapker was brought on board after Denis Villeneuve left the project due to scheduling conflicts, and she has a much more compelling vision for these characters than Brian had on the page. As previously stated, this story is significantly more character-driven. Still, you can tell that Schapker is very respectful of the rich tapestry and lore that makes up Frank Herbert’s world. This does the show great favors, as Prophecy is meant to share the same space as Villeneuve’s big-screen adaptations.
Dune: Prophecy and Denis Villeneuve’s movies are 10 millennia apart but feel very much like the same universe. Even though the first four episodes of HBO’s Dune: Prophecy do their best, following up both Dune blockbusters, which marked a cultural shift, was always a tall order — one that would never satisfy everyone. There will undoubtedly be fans who tune into Prophecy hoping to have the same experience as watching Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, and they will certainly be disappointed. This is not Villeneuve or even Frank Herbert’s Dune, really.
But if people come into Dune: Prophecy with an open mind, only expecting to experience a solid sci-fi show, they will more than likely be satisfied. Dune: Prophecy boasts a strong, well-rounded ensemble cast, a compelling narrative, and gorgeous set designs reminiscent of the aforementioned movie adaptations. It just so happens to also be standing on the shoulders of two of cinema’s greatest modern achievements, and thus, the comparisons will be inevitable and hard to shake. It remains to be seen if the final two episodes of Prophecy will be enough to elevate the series from just “good” to the superb level of what fans have come to expect from Dune adaptations. Here’s to hoping it can.
Dune: Prophecy premieres on HBO and Max on November 17!
Developed by Diane Ademu-John & Alison Schapker.
Based on Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson.
Showrunner: Alison Schapker.
Executive Producers: Diane Ademu-John, Alison Schapker, Jon Spaihts, Johan Rench, Scott Z. Burns, Matt King, John Cameron, Cait Collins, Mark Tobey, Jordan Goldberg, Brian Herbert, Kim Herbert, Byron Merritt, & Dana Calvo.
Main Cast: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Mark Strong, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Camilla Beeput, Sarah Lam, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Emma Canning, Jessica Barden, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Flora Montgomery, Tessa Bonham, Laura Howard, Edward Davis, Tabu, & Jihae.
Composer: Volker Bertelmann.
Production Companies: Legendary Television & Warner Bros. Television.
Episode Count: 6 (Season 1).
