We’re just under a month away from the release of the Max series Dune: Prophecy — contributing to the popular franchise brought to life by Denis Villeneuve. Now, as we approach its November launch date, we’re going over everything we currently know about the new chapter of Dune.

The Plot

Set 10,000 years before the events of Villeneuve's acclaimed Dune films, Dune: Prophecy delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a secretive sisterhood with supernatural abilities. The series specifically follows the journey of two Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, as they combat forces threatening the future of humankind and lay the foundation for the fabled Bene Gesserit sect.

In terms of timeline, the narrative also unfolds in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad, a war against artificial intelligence, introducing layers of intrigue and complexity to the popular sci-fi storyline.

Cast

• Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen, the commanding leader of the Sisterhood, whose wisdom and strategic mind guide her every decision

• Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen, Valya's sister, revered for her deep spiritual insight and her role as a Reverend Mother

• Jodhi May as Empress Natalya, a powerful royal who brought unity to thousands of worlds through her marriage to Emperor Corrino

• Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez, an independent young princess grappling with the expectations and pressures of her royal duties

• Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela, a resilient Fremen woman serving the royal family, yearning for a homeland she's never seen

• Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, an intense and unpredictable acolyte at the Sisterhood School, known for her fierce determination

• Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, a fervent acolyte with a legacy of martyrdom in her family, bringing passionate zeal to her training

• Chloe Lea as Lila, the youngest acolyte at the Sisterhood School, whose remarkable empathy sets her apart

• Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart, a charming yet enigmatic soldier with a mysterious past, aiming to earn the Emperor's trust, possibly at the Sisterhood's expense

• Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino, a ruler from a distinguished lineage, tasked with governing the Imperium and maintaining a delicate peace

• Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia, a driven and ambitious acolyte with a hidden past, striving for power within the Sisterhood

• Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides, a skilled Swordmaster whose aspirations are challenged when he forms a connection with the royal family

What to Expect

The trailer for Dune: Prophecy distinctly teases a world filled with chaos, destruction, and the ever-present spice. Viewers can anticipate a gripping tale of power struggles, hidden agendas, and the relentless pursuit of control — as we’ve come to expect from the Dune universe.

And thematically, the series promises to explore the boundaries of what it means to be human, set against the backdrop of a universe on the brink of monumental change.

Director's Vision

Showrunner Alison Schapker and executive producer Diane Ademu-John have crafted a series that not only expands on the rich lore of the Dune universe but also introduces new elements that will captivate both new and longtime fans. The series aims to delve deeper into the enigmatic Bene Gesserit and their influence over the galaxy, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic franchise that’s far enough removed from the core films to work on its own.

Check out the official trailer for Dune: Prophecy below, and make sure to watch the series when it premiers on November 17, 2024, via Max.