Sandy sci-fi epic

THE first episode of Dune: Prophecy, a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 blockbuster film Dune, which in turn is based on the 1965 namesake novel by Frank Herbert, is releasing on Max on November 17.

It will be followed by a weekly Sunday release until December 22.

Developed by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, the series, which takes place 10,000 years before the film’s events, is set to dig into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, an exclusive and powerful sisterhood who undergo intense physical training and mental conditioning to obtain superhuman abilities.

Show producer Alison, who grew up reading the Dune books, believes that fans of the sandy sci-fi universe can worm up for an intriguing story filled with thrills and spice.

“I haven’t met a Dune fan who doesn’t want to know more about the Bene Gesserit,” Alison said in an interview.

“It doesn’t feel niche; it feels very relatable to people, men, women, everybody is intrigued,” she added.

The six episodes will follow sisters Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams,) who combat forces that threaten the future of humanity as they establish the fabled sect.

“Valya’s story is really personal to me,” Jessica Barden, who plays a young Valya in flashback scenes, said.

“There’s so much anger and ambition, and that’s where I connected with her. She’s someone constantly trying to find her path in this world while dealing with a lot of unresolved pain,” she added.

The series is mainly based on the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, written by Frank’s elder son Brian and co-written by Kevin J Anderson. Kevin has previously written spin-off novels for Star Wars and The X-Files among many more.

The Dune film series stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson as Paul Atreides, Chani, and Lady Jessica respectively. It currently consists of the 2021 film and its sequel Dune: Part Two, released earlier this year, which garnered massive success, becoming the fourth highest grossing film of 2024.

A third film based on Frank’s novel Dune: Messiah is in development, and is set for a late 2026 release in theatres.