"Dune: Prophecy", an early installment in the highly successful "Dune" franchise by director Denis Villeneuve, is still awaiting an official go-ahead, regardless, production work is already underway. Warner Bros. Discovery and producer Legendary Television are actively translating the billion-dollar film series into a diverse media brand; a television spin-off was already in progress before "Dune: Part One" hit the screens. This week, HBO rolls out the prequel series "Dune: Prophecy" and aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the complex political landscape and moral dilemmas central to Frank Herbert’s legendary universe.
"Dune: Prophecy" is set over 10,000 years prior to the birth of messianic character Paul Atreides and centers on the early formation of the Bene Gesserit, a secretive group whose eugenics practice eventually leads to the appearance of Paul. The plot draws loosely from "Sisterhood of Dune," a novel co-authored by Herbert’s son Brian, taking viewers to the time just a few generations after the Butlerian Jihad, a colossal war that saw the end of "thinking machines."
Valya Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson, assumes the role of the order’s second-ever Reverend Mother, and her quest to ensure the group’s futurity encapsulates similar lessons to Paul's ascend to power. In the span of its six-episode season, "Prophecy" handles the inevitable challenges of turning a franchise from film to TV quite well. Despite the absence of star power and high-end cinematography, "Prophecy" leverages its strengths, focusing on the expansion of political entities within the expansive Imperium, offering viewers a chance to meet more of its inhabitants.
"Dune: Prophecy" deviates from the original movies in many ways, but stays true to an important part of Dune’s lore: A society, by eradicating computers, focusses on enhancing natural abilities. Moreover, the plot of "Prophecy" though filled with informative background, isn't only about exposition. It introduces a new threat in the form of a soldier, Desmond Hart, played by Travis Fimmel, who emerges as a formidable adversary with a set of unexpected abilities and a hidden grudge against the Bene Gesserit.
"Dune" is often deemed as an intricate masterpiece savored by only the most passionate genre enthusiasts. With "Dune: Part One", Villeneuve managed to transform it into a mainstream success. "Prophecy", although not visually stunning compares to Dune's opulence, serves as a bridge for those intrigued but not prepared to delve deeper into Herbert’s’ extensive world. The debut episode of "Dune: Prophecy" will air on HBO and Max at 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 17, followed by weekly episodes every Sunday.
