The Dune Universe is about to expand with the spin-off series Dune: Prophecy. Set 10,000 years before the Dune movies, this spin-off will serve as a prequel to the movie and follow the Bene Gesserit's origins.
The Dune universe is adapted from Frank Herbert's novels, and the spin-off series is based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune.
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Dune: Prophecy will follow the Harkonnen sisters as they team together against forces that threaten humanity and establish the sect of the Bene Gesserit.
The spin-off show stars Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, and Tabu in an ensemble cast. Here is everything you need to know before watching Dune: Prophecy.
Everything to know before watching Dune: Prophecy
Dune's universe is vast and complicated, and the new spin-off show will add more origin stories to everything we know so far from the Dune movies. Here is everything to know before diving into the spin-off.
Who are the Harkonnen sisters in Dune: Prophecy?
The Harkonnen House is the main antagonist in the Dune films. They have controlled the Arrakis house for years. Their cruelty and crude behavior are associated with the wealth they have accumulated throughout the generations.
But the new spin-off series tells the origin tale of the Harkonnen sisters, who saved humanity 10,000 years before the film's events.
The show is based on the Harkonnen sisters, Valya, Tula, and Francesca. Together, they form the Sisterhood of Dune, which will save humanity. Valya had a troubled childhood and is fueled by vengeance in adulthood. Tula is portrayed as a tenacious and devoted character, whereas Francesca is intelligent and confident.
Together, they have all the powers needed to make a powerful clique. The series will tell the origins of the Harkonnen house, as shown in the movies.
Dune: Prophecy will tell the origins of the legend of the Kwisatz Haderach
The 'Prophecy' in the series title refers to the savior's arrival in the Bene Gesserit, who is believed to be Paul Atreides in the movies.
The Sisterhood wants to position the chosen one, the Kwisatz Haderach, on the Imperial Throne and wants to control him. This supreme being will perform all the special mathematical and engineering calculations of a Mentat and travel through space like a Guild Navigator.
But first, they must ensure his birth, and they control marriages between various houses. The Bene Gesserit plots out marriages to ensure the birth of this savior who will control humanity.
While Paul ended their scheming some 10,000 years later in the movies by refusing their influence, Dune: Prophecy will recount the origins of this legend.
Religion is more complicated in Dune: Prophecy
While the worlds of the show and the films are the same, the vast span of time between them has led to one major difference, which is religion.
While religion is deeply present in Herbert's books, and the characters are believed to practice Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, and agnosticism, it is almost absent from the Dune films.
But religion does play an essential role in Dune: Prophecy. It is the origin of the Bene Gesserit and might have religious similarities, especially with Christianity. As the sisterhood believes, the coming of a chosen one is in alignment with Christianity.
Whether the sisterhood is a spiritual entity trying to fulfill its nefarious means through religion or they believe in it is yet to be seen. Still, the show has deep religious implications, which changed over the years after Paul refuted them in the movies.
Understanding the Spice Melange before watching Dune: Prophecy
Spice remains one of the most important components in the Dune Universe, produced only on Arrakis. Not only is it used in foods, goods, and explosives, but it is also essential for space travel between different planets.
This also extends lifespan, heightens mental and physical health, and is the most sought-after substance in the Dune Universe.
It is one of the vital substances that lets its users ''see'' into the future and is therefore helpful for psychics like Paul in the movie. Since spice also has political and social connotations in the film, it will be interesting to see how the spin-off series addresses it.
Dune: Prophecy releases November 17, 2024, on HBO Max.
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