DUNE_ PROPHECY Trailer (2024) Emily Watson

DUNE_ PROPHECY Trailer (2024) Emily Watson

Show more

DUNE: PROPHECY Trailer (2024) Emily Watson, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina
© 2024 - HBO Max
Sneaking in seemingly unnoticed into the streaming sphere until just now, avid fans of Frank Herbert's "Dune" universe have immediately had their consciousnesses enlightened like a liberal dose of spice thanks to a new trailer for the upcoming Max Originals, "Dune: Prophecy."

This "Dune" prequel spinoff series arrives this coming fall and is inspired by and adapted from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's 2012 novel, "Sisterhood of Dune."

It occurs near the end of the Battle of Corrin, ten-thousand years prior to Paul Atreides' birth on the planet Caladan and centers around the foundational events that formed the shifty gene-manipulating Bene Gesserit sisterhood.

Want to try HBO Max? Here's where to choose a plan
Subscribe to HBO Max starting at $9.99/month
A young woman wearing a golden facial covering

A scene from Max's upcoming miniseries, "Dune: Prophecy" (Image credit: Max Originals)
Here's the official synopsis:

"From the expansive universe of 'Dune,' created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, 'Dune: Prophecy' follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become immortalized as the Bene Gesserit."

"Before the universe would know us as the Bene Gesserit, we founded a sisterhood," states Emily Watson's Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen in this riveting teaser that offers a lush array of arresting visuals. "Assigned to the great houses to help them sift truth from lies. We created a network of influence throughout the Imperium. But power comes with a price."

"Dune: Prophecy" was first developed in 2019 as a TV series under the original title of "Dune: The Sisterhood." It contains a superb ensemble cast that also includes Jessica Barden, Olivia Williams, Tabu, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin.

Get the Space.com Newsletter
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

Your Email Address
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands
Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
"Fringe's" Alison Schapker acts as showrunner and executive producer for this Max and Legendary Television production, with Diane Ademu-John co-developing the series and who also serves as executive producer. Other executive producers listed are Anna Foerster, Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, Brian Herbert and Jon Spaihts, with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert executive producing for the Frank Herbert estate.

Max Originals' "Dune: Prophecy" miniseries lands on Earth sometime in Fall 2024.

Watch Dune: Prophecy when it airs on HBO Max
The first trailer for the much-anticipated TV prequel to the recent Dune movies promises a female-fronted look at life 10,000 years before.

Dune: Prophecy will follow the roots of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood led by the Harkonnen siblings, played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. Later members of the sect are played by Rebecca Ferguson and Charlotte Rampling on the big screen.

‘Completely unfilmable’: the Dune universe is about to get weird
Read more
It is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune, written by Kevin J Anderson and Brian Herbert, the elder son of Frank Herbert, who wrote the original Dune novels.

It comes on the heels of the second film in Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed Dune franchise which has made more than $710m globally since its release earlier this year. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw called it “an epic sci-fi hallucination”.

“The Bene Gesserit have always been fascinating to me,” Villeneuve has said of the show. “Focusing a series around that powerful order of women seemed not only relevant and inspiring but a dynamic setting for the television series.”

Originally developed back in 2019, the show went through various iterations, including other names, and featuring different writers and actors, before becoming Dune: Prophecy, set to premiere later this year on Max. The cast also includes Mark Strong, Jodhi May and Jessica Barden.

Villeneuve was originally set to direct the pilot but later dropped out. The series now counts Anna Foerster as one of the key directors. Her credits include episodes of Outlander and the action sequel Underworld: Blood Wars.

After the success of the second Dune film this year, it was revealed that a third film was officially in development. Villeneuve has revealed that he wants to make something else before, which may be an adaptation of Annie Jacobsen’s ticking-clock thriller Nuclear War: A Scenario.
The first trailer for the much-anticipated TV prequel to the recent Dune movies promises a female-fronted look at life 10,000 years before.

Dune: Prophecy will follow the roots of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood led by the Harkonnen siblings, played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. Later members of the sect are played by Rebecca Ferguson and Charlotte Rampling on the big screen.

‘Completely unfilmable’: the Dune universe is about to get weird
Read more
It is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune, written by Kevin J Anderson and Brian Herbert, the elder son of Frank Herbert, who wrote the original Dune novels.

It comes on the heels of the second film in Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed Dune franchise which has made more than $710m globally since its release earlier this year. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw called it “an epic sci-fi hallucination”.

“The Bene Gesserit have always been fascinating to me,” Villeneuve has said of the show. “Focusing a series around that powerful order of women seemed not only relevant and inspiring but a dynamic setting for the television series.”

Originally developed back in 2019, the show went through various iterations, including other names, and featuring different writers and actors, before becoming Dune: Prophecy, set to premiere later this year on Max. The cast also includes Mark Strong, Jodhi May and Jessica Barden.

Villeneuve was originally set to direct the pilot but later dropped out. The series now counts Anna Foerster as one of the key directors. Her credits include episodes of Outlander and the action sequel Underworld: Blood Wars.

After the success of the second Dune film this year, it was revealed that a third film was officially in development. Villeneuve has revealed that he wants to make something else before, which may be an adaptation of Annie Jacobsen’s ticking-clock thriller Nuclear War: A Scenario.

The “Dune” universe is expanding once more.

After the massively successful release of “Dune: Part Two” and the teasing of a third film written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, the literary franchise has landed a TV adaptation with “Dune: Prophecy.” The Max series is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel “Sisterhood of Dune” — a teaser was revealed during the Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront presentation, with the six-episode season set to debut this fall on streamer Max.

The official synopsis reads: From the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), “Dune: Prophecy” follows two Harkonnen sisters (Emily Watson and Olivia Williams) as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

Related Stories
'Jim Henson Idea Man'
Join IndieWire and Disney for Our FYC ‘Jim Henson Idea Man’ Panel on May 24 at Vidiots in LA
'Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show'
Jerrod Carmichael Has Read Your Tweets, and He Doesn’t Necessarily Disagree
The ensemble cast includes Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.

Jessica Barden was also cast as the younger version of Valya Harkonnen, who is later played by Watson.

Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and executive produces. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes, including the first one.

Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with author Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. Author Anderson serves as co-producer.

The series was originally titled “Dune: The Sisterhood” and had Johan Renck as the director of the first two episodes. Renck exited the series, as did actress Shirley Henderson, who was set to play one of the leads. Diane Ademu-John, who wrote the first script, stepped down as co-showrunner prior to production.

Production began in November 2022 and was paused in February 2023 due to the shake-ups. The show was originally announced in 2019.

“As ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’ has entered a pre-scheduled hiatus, there are some creative changes being made to the production in an effort to create the best series possible and stay true to the source material,” an HBO Max spokesperson said in a statement at the time. “Johan Renck has completed his work on the series and a new director will be brought on; through mutual agreement, Johan is moving on to pursue other projects. Additionally, Shirley Henderson will be exiting the series and will no longer be playing Tula Harkonnen.”

The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television. Legendary also produces the film franchise, which has released two installments to critical acclaim, the first of which garnered six Academy Awards.

“Dune: Prophecy” premieres in fall 2024. Check out the teaser below.
“Dune: Prophecy,” the long-gestating prequel series at Max, has released its first teaser trailer.

The six-episode series will debut this fall, but no official premiere date has been set at this time. The series was originally commissioned in 2019 under the title “Dune: The Sisterhood.” It is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune” written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

The official logline states, “From the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”

Popular on Variety
Ad Loading
00:00

34:53

In the teaser, we see the beginnings of the Bene Gesserit as they start wielding their incredible influence throughout the Imperium

The full video can be seen below.

“Dune: Prophecy” will star: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin. Variety exclusively reported that both Tabu and Jihae will appear in the series as well. The series has had a long road to the screen, including multiple showrunner changes and a creative reset in 2023.

Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first. Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with Brian Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. Anderson serves as co-producer. The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise.
"Sisterhood above all..." Warner Bros has revealed the first look teaser trailer for the epic new sci-fi series Dune: Prophecy, a spin-off TV series streaming on Max later in 2024 (aiming for a fall release). It's set 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides, before the universe knew them as the Bene Gesserit... This is directly connected to Denis Villeneuve's two (so far) brilliant Dune movies but it's not a direct prequel since it's set so far in the past. It's also based on the book "Sisterhood of Dune" by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert (Frank's son). The intro to that book is much more fascinating: "It is eighty-three years after the last of the thinking machines were destroyed in the Battle of Corrin, after Faykan Butler took the name of Corrino and established himself as the first Emperor of a new Imperium. Great changes are brewing that will shape and twist all of humankind." This sounds intense! Dune: Prophecy stars Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, Jade Anouka, Chris Mason, Jodhi May, Josh Heuston, Tabu, plus Sarah-Sofie Boussnina & Shalom Brune-Franklin. We've been waiting for this ever since Dune: Part Two opened a few months ago! Glad to finally get a glimpse at some footage - check it out below.

Here's the first look teaser trailer for Max's series Dune: Prophecy, direct from Max's YouTube:

Dune: Prophecy Teaser

Dune: Prophecy Teaser

Set 10,000 years before the events of Dune, the series follows sisters Valya & Tula Harkonnen as they combat forces that threaten the future of humanity, and establish the sect known as the Bene Gesserit. Legendary Television first ordered the series in 2019, a spin-off project from Villeneuve's in-the-works Dune movies. Dune: Prophecy is a sci-fi spin-off series created by acclaimed writer / producer Diane Ademu-John, also writer on the series "Medium", "Body of Proof", "The Originals", "Empire", "Extrapolations", and "The Haunting of Bly Manor" previously. Alison Schapker is the showrunner and also a writer. With more writing by Jordan Goldberg. Adapted from the novel "Sisterhood of Dune" written by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert; based on Frank Herbert's characters. Featuring episodes directed by Anna Foerster, John Cameron, and Richard J. Lewis. Filming began by November 2022 in Budapest and Jordan and wrapped by December 2023. Executive produced by Diane Ademu-John, Alison Schapker, Jon Spaihts, Scott Z. Burns, Matthew King, John Cameron, Cait Collins, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Dana Calvo. Warner Bros will debut Dune: Prophecy streaming on Max starting in fall 2024. Stay tuned for updates. Who's in?
The first look at new sci-fi drama series Dune: Prophecy was released this morning, with a full length trailer dropping on socials ahead of the premiere in Spring.

From the universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides depicted in feature films Dune and Dune Part Two, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

The plot is reportedly inspired by the novel ‘Sisterhood of Dune,’ written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, and will follow a separate storyline to the blockbuster movies by Denis Villeneuve.

Watch the trailer, which features a number of familiar faces, a lush and intricate set and costume design, and a tangled web of Bene Gesserit lies, below:

>

The cast of the new series includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.

Read: Dune Part Two review: stunning and weird

Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first.

Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with New York Times bestselling author Brian Herbert (son of Frank Herbert), along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson serves as co-producer.

The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise that has released two installments to critical acclaim, the first of which garnered six Academy Awards.

Dune: Prophecy does not yet have an official release date, but we know it will premier in the Spring on Binge.
Their plans are measured in centuries — here's everything we know about Dune: Prophecy, the prequel series that will explore the past of the Bene Gesserit.

Comments (0)
Dune Prophecy Logo
(Image credit: HBO)
Need more spice from the fascinating universe of Dune after watching Dune: Part Two once or twice (or more) in IMAX? Well, you're in luck, as Warner Bros. Discovery and Legendary are bringing a Dune television series to stream later this year. Here's everything we know so far about Dune: Prophecy.

Following the success of massive sci-fi series like For All Mankind and Foundation, you might be looking desperately for the next big thing in that space. Since FX's upcoming Alien TV series is further away than we'd like, Dune: Prophecy seems like the next best bet for fans of hard science fiction.

Now is the perfect time to get into all things Dune, whether that means reading through Frank Herbert's novels, rewatching David Lynch's divisive movie, or playing one of the many Dune board games available at the moment. Moreover, Dune: Awakening could be the MMO that fans of this universe were waiting for.

DUNE: PROPHECY RELEASE DATE
A group of sisters of the Bene Gesserit in Dune: Prophecy. There are two single-file lines of women dressed in long black robes. They are standing on a bleak, rocky landscape.

(Image credit: HBO)
Fall 2024
The "late 2024" window was announced by HBO and Max themselves in November 2023. While there's no specific release date set for Dune: Prophecy right now, it shouldn't be long before we find out so watch this space!

With House of the Dragon (the platform's other huge 2024 show) slated to drop in June, Max will probably want to give this show some room to breath before they release their next big hit. Plus, chatter from the Warner Bros. Discovery bosses has only further confirmed we should be looking at the later months of 2024 for Dune's return to screens.

WHERE TO STREAM DUNE: PROPHECY?
A sister of the Bene Gesserit in Dune: Prophecy. Close up of an adult woman wearing a black veil and dress.

(Image credit: HBO)
Dune: Prophecy will stream exclusively on Max when it arrives in late 2024. Whether Warner Bros. Discovery will explore other watch options (or even a physical release) for the long-anticipated series remains to be seen, but we wouldn't count on alternatives during its initial streaming run.

To scratch that Dune itch in the meantime, check out our Dune streaming guide.

Watch Dune: Prophecy on HBO Max in the U.S.
Dune: Prophecy teaser sees Emily Watson take centre stage as Valya Harkonnen. But most fans were interested in finding Tabu and decoding her role.
The highly anticipated trailer of the web series Dune: Prophecy was unveiled on Wednesday. Drawing from the rich Dune universe crafted by Frank Herbert, particularly Sisterhood of Dune, the HBO series delves into the origin story of the Bene Gesserit. As Emily Watson's Valya Harkonnen takes the spotlight, fans eagerly engaged in decoding the video, hoping to catch a glimpse of Tabu. (Also Read: Tabu to star in Dune Prophecy series as ‘strong, intelligent, and alluring’ Sister Francesca)

It was recently announced that Tabu will star in Dune: Prophecy.
It was recently announced that Tabu will star in Dune: Prophecy.
Dune: Prophecy teaser
The official description of the series sets the stage, “10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.” In the teaser, we see the origins of Bene Geserrit as they begin wielding their influence through the Imperium, led by Valya.

Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India's general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now!

Fans look for Tabu
While the 1-minute-34-seconds teaser gave glimpses of various characters, it’s difficult to know if Tabu was among them. “But no Tabu. Gonna assume her role is either very important that they don’t want to show or it’s a small role. Nonetheless with or without her, I was always excited for anything related to my latest favourite child and that’s DUNE,” wrote a fan, reacting to the teaser on X (formerly Twitter).

Another wrote, “do not get the Dune Vibes. Maybe because the distinct Dennis Style has become synonymous with Dune. Still hopeful tho. Excited for Tabu.” Some fans however were absolutely convinced they’ve spotted Tabu, with one fan sharing the screengrab which shows a veiled character, another, just a shot of a bare back.

About Dune: Prophecy
Dune: Prophecy will star Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin. Variety reported that Tabu and Jihae will also appear in the series. The series, initially titled Dune: The Sisterhood, had multiple showrunner changes and went through a creative reset in 2023.

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
Dune: Prophecy explores the origin of the powerful Bene Gesserit sisterhood in a 6-episode series.
The show follows the Harkonnen family's children in a post-war universe striving to restore their fortune.
A talented cast including Emily Watson, Indira Varma, and Mark Strong brings this exciting prequel to life on Max this fall.
As it was written. While Dune: Part Two is turning audiences' eyes bright blue, Warner Bros. and Max are striking while the iron is hot and have just released the first trailer for their hotly-anticpated prequel series, Dune: Prophecy. Based not just on the work by Frank Herbert in his novel Dune, the series is also adapted from the novel Sisterhood of Dune, written by Herbert's son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson. The series will consist of six episodes.

Dune: Prophecy will explain the story of how the Bene Gesserit came to be founded. First introduced to audiences in Villeneuve's 2021 movie, the Bene Gesserit is a sisterhood of powerful women — not just politically, but literally — who come together with the goal of creating the Kwisatz Haderach, a Messianic figure who, by their guiding hand, will be destined to rule and command the entire galaxy. The story is set in the aftermath of a colossal war which ultimately led to the destruction of all computational technology, performing some sort of great reset across the universe. The story follows the oldest children of the Harkonnen family, Griffin, and Valya, as they try to restore their family’s fortune and end up helping in the creation of the Bene Gesserit.

The Dune: Prophecy cast includes Chernobyl’s Emily Watson as Valya, Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino, Vikings' Travis Fimmel, Jade Anouka, Chris Mason, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, and Chloe Lea. Further rounding out the cast are Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, Josh Heuston, Edward Davis, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.

Who's Behind 'Dune: Prophecy'?
The creative team behind Dune: Prophecy on Max has seen several changes throughout its development, but a core group has guided the project to its current state. Initially, Denis Villeneuve was set to direct and produce the pilot episode of Prophecy with Jon Spaihts writing the screenplay. Both were intended to serve as executive producers alongside Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Brian Herbert, Frank Herbert's son. Diane Ademu-John was later hired as the new showrunner, replacing Spaihts, who left to focus on Dune: Part Two.

However, Ademu-John eventually exited the project as co-showrunner but remained an executive producer, leaving Alison Schapker as the sole showrunner. After Villeneuve's departure due to his commitments to Dune: Part Two, Johan Renck was brought on to direct the first two episodes but later exited the project, and Anna Foerster was then chosen to direct multiple episodes, including the pilot​​​​.

Dune: Prophecy will debut on Max this fall.
HBO Max’s prequel series Dune: Prophecy, which stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams among its ensemble, has a new trailer. Imbibe it with your eyes:

Emerging mere days before Dune: Part Two's physical release (it’s out on the 28th May, date fans), along comes a teasing first trailer for HBO Max’s prequel TV series, Dune: Prophecy.

Originally entitled Dune: The Sisterhood, it’s loosely based on Brian (son of Frank) Herbert and Kevin J Anderson’s Sisterhood Of Dune novel, and takes place 10,000 years before Paul Atreides started shuffling about on Arakis.

The series details the antics of two Harkonnen Sisters, according to a synopsis published by IndieWire, who are played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. They’ll “combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become the Bene Gesserit.”

It sounds good, and looks rather good as well, as you can see from the teaser trailer below. It evidently takes the same design and tone from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies, and looks quite handsomely shot for something made with a TV budget.

Elsewhere in the cast you’ll find the formidable presence of Mark Strong, as well as Jodhi May, Josh Heuston, Travis Fimmel, Sarah-Sofie Boussina and more besides.

There have been a few creative changes behind the scenes during production, with director Johan Renck (Chernobyl, Spaceman) and writer Diane Ademu-John quietly exiting stage left early last year. Alison Schapker is now credited as showrunner, while Anna Foerster has directed several episodes. Actor Shirley Henderson also departed around the same time.

Here’s hoping those creative changes haven’t marred what at the moment looks like a solid extension to the world established by the two recent movies.

Dune: Prophecy is scheduled to stream on HBO Max this autumn. Dune: Part Two is out on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on the 28th May.
The “Dune” universe is expanding to TV, and going way, way back in time to do it.

During Warner Bros.’ Upfront presentation on Wednesday, HBO and Max boss Casey Bloys introduced the first teaser for “Dune: Prophecy,” a prequel series spinoff of the hit sci-fi film franchise. The six-episode season will premiere on Max this fall.

“Dune: Prophecy” is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune” by Brian Herbert (son of original “Dune” series author Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson. Set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides (Timotheé Chalamet), the series tells the story of the founding of the Bene Gesserit, the secretive, all-female (until Paul Atreides) order of superhuman power brokers who advise leaders and influence world events.

It follows sisters Valya (Oscar and Emmy nominee Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams) as they fight forces that threaten humanity’s future and create what becomes the Bene Gesserit.

“Before the universe would know us as the Bene Gesserit, we founded a sisterhood, assigned to the great houses to help them sift truth from lies,” Valya narrates. “We created a network of influence throughout the Imperium. But power comes with a price.”

They plan to install a member of their sisterhood, Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), on the throne through marriage into the royal family. “Nothing is more important,” Valya tells her sisters. “And this is the marriage that makes it possible. This is us playing god.”

It kind of seems like a “Dune” version of “Game of Thrones.”

The cast also includes Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.

Alison Schapker (“Altered Carbon”) serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John (“The Haunting of Bly Manor”) co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster (“Westworld”) executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first.

The series, which was first announced in 2019, has undergone many changes on its path to the screen. Original showrunner and “Dune” screenwriter Jon Spaihts left the project. Ademu-John was hired as showrunner, then Schapker was added as co-showrunner, then Ademu-John left. “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve was originally slated to direct episodes but was unable to, and Johan Renck (“Chernobyl”) was enlisted in his stead. Then Renck departed the project, and Foerster stepped in. Villeneuve does not have an executive producer credit on the series.

PREDICT the 2024 Emmy nominees through July 17

Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Don’t miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why?

SIGN UP for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions

Box office: All time domestic top-grossing movies

Show less