‘Dune: The Prophet’ – Troubled Bene Gesserit Series Gets New Release Date
The original series that focuses on the founding of the Bene Gesserit has a release window and a new name – Dune: The Prophet.
Herbert’s Dune is set in a future in which humanity has spread across the galaxy to thousands of worlds. All of them were ruled by the Padishah Emperor. An order of mysterious women of rules from the shadows, though. The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood has abilities given to them by their mastery of the body and the mind. This has made them invaluable to all of the houses of the galaxy. They weave through the feudal politics and intrigue of The Imperium with their own plans to create a being of immense power.
Their story and plans started thousands of years before Paul was born.
What is Dune: The Prophecy About?
Dune: The Prophet is based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson; it will be set in Villeneuve’s universe. It takes place 10,000 years before the events in Dune and follows the two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, all while helping establish the Bene Gesserit and its breeding program.
Valya joined the Sisterhood of Rossak as a child and proved to be one of the most faithful and talented members. She became the first Mother Superior of the order when it was renamed the Bene Gesserit. She also holds a large amount of hatred for House Atreides, whom she blames for the fall of her own house. Valya is the type that doesn’t believe in threats; she believes in action. Tula is the younger of the two. She works with her sister to gain revenge and further the Bene Gesserit agenda.
There are several other big players that will show up in the series from the two houses, as well as the other emerging schools. We’ll also get a ton of background that will make the Dune universe make a bit more sense.
Dune: The Prophecy Troubles & Changes
The project has gone through several major changes since it was announced in 2019. Filming started in the fall of last year but was halted in February. Both of the initial showrunners stepped down earlier this year, with Alison Schapker (Lost, Alias, Fringe) taking over. Anna Forester (Carnival Row, Jessica Jones) has taken over directing duties for the majority of the episodes.
Lead actor Shirley Henderson had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts caused by delays. She’s being replaced by Olivia Williams (R) as Tula Harkonnen. Emily Watson (L) is still listed as playing Valya Harkonnen.
Other confirmed cast members are Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Colony), Shalom Brune-Franklin (The Tourist), Faoileann Cunningham (The Northman), Aoife Hinds (Normal People) and Chloe Lea (Foundation).
Today it was announced that the title of the series has been changed from Dune: The Sisterhood to Dune: Prophecy. It also has a new release window of fall 2024. Hopefully, that sticks, but SAG-AFTRA is still on strike with no contract in sight, so nothing is final.
Dune: Part II is set to release on March 15th, 2024, after being slid back from its initial November spot. Fans can hope it won’t be moved again.
