Coming hot off the heels of HBO Max’s remake of the full-length feature film “Dune” (1984), the streaming service has launched a spin-off series titled “Dune: Prophecy.” This prequel ventures deep back to the distant past, providing viewers insights about the rise of the Bene Gesserit, known simply as the sisterhood during this era. The show, with its first episode, not only introduces key elements of the beloved Duniverse but also sets the stage for the emergence of Paul Atreides—the future 'Kwistaz Haderach'—in about 10,000 years.
One question arises though: why choose such a vastly extended timeline for this origin story? While the familiar fashion and architecture provoke intrigue (how can things look so similar after 10,000 years?), many await answers to these curiosities across future episodes. Despite these musings, "Dune: Prophecy" stands out as a thoroughly engaging watch, boasting excellent performances from actors such as Mark Strong (best known for his role as the antagonist in “Sherlock Holmes”), Travis Fimmel from “Vikings,” and Emily Watson from “Punch Drunk Love.” The show opens strongly, presenting many facets of the Duniverse without overwhelming viewers, easing them beautifully through the narrative.
Visually, the series dazzles with its breathtaking locations and poignant costume designs, successfully weaving stark contrasts of color and light throughout its storytelling. Each component shimmers with symbolism, adding layers of meaning for attentive viewers to peel back. HBO Max has genuinely crafted another captivating entry to the Dune saga, allowing it to flourish alongside the successful films, and intriguing even those who may not have explored the books or films prior.
For lovers of the mesmerizing soundscape associated with the franchise, there's even more good news. The music of "Dune: Prophecy” can now be enjoyed as well, as noted by many fans. The series released its second soundtrack volume, composed by Academy Award nominee Volker Bertelmann. This new volume includes 29 tracks and runs for nearly 64 minutes—now available on major digital platforms, reassured fans can deepen their connection to the show through its hauntingly beautiful score.
Shifting focus, Mike DeAngelo, host of the podcast Bingeworthy, recently sat down with showrunner Alison Schapker. Together, they explored the ambitious process of developing this expansive prequel, which tantalizingly takes viewers 10,000 years before the original events of “Dune.” The series delves deeply and personally explore the origins of the Bene Gesserit and follows two Harkonnen sisters as they face looming threats to humanity’s future.
Alison Schapker reflected on bringing the series to life, sharing her thoughts on the monumental task of adapting such a revered universe. "Dune" is incredibly vast—every detail crafted with care allows for immense flexibility. "It's so ambitious, so thought out, so detailed," Schapker conveyed. "You really can flex in incredibly rewarding ways." She emphasized the strong collaborative effort put forth by the talented team, crediting the extraordinary craftsmanship and dedication behind the scenes, making this adaptation happen.
Addressing the challenges posed by the long timeline, Schapker underlined the importance of honoring existing lore, along with the need to integrate new ideas. Tech stagnation becomes evident throughout the story, illustrated by larger thumpers and distinct variations of space travel. And as for any niggling comparisons to “Game of Thrones,” Schapker welcomes them. "Dune" shares similarities with the grand dramas of power and influence, featuring houses and dynasties, yet it captures unique characteristics thanks to its neo-futurist vision and deeply crafted world-building.
The series probes the rise of Valya Harkonnen and her leadership, contemplating how the Bene Gesserit transformed from the sisterhood to the influential organization detailed within the novels. Schapker hinted at the series’ extensive foundation for future seasons, balancing excitement without overselling. "We know where the Bene Gesserit end up—their institutional power and subtle influence—this series explores how they became what we see later," she stated with grounded confidence.
With fan expectations riding high, editors Amelia Allwarden and Anna Hauger have stepped up to guide the series' tone expertly. Each episode delves deep, unfurling the complicated relationships and shadows of the characters. The two editors, seasoned from their work on “Westworld,” were eager to create something distinct yet rooted within Dune’s expansive world.
"The beauty of television is the serialized workflow, so you get much more nitty-gritty," shared Allwarden. "It’s about honoring the characters and the world, making it feel rich and complete." Hauger echoed this sentiment when discussing their shared vision of seamlessly stitching complex narratives together. Their distinct editing approaches brought life to the characters, making each scene resonate more vibrantly.
Although recently released, the emotional heft within “Dune: Prophecy” keeps viewers returning week after week, searching for hidden intricacies. Allowing for discussions on characters and their emotional arcs, the show provides the stage to analyze each plot point and detail without feeling rushed or haphazardly thrown together.
Each episode masterfully finds ways to weave themes of emotional grounding through well-placed flashbacks. Both editors approached these transitions with care, ensuring the audience remains invested tightly within the character’s headspace. “It’s finding the balance between confusion and clarity; one doesn’t want to be bored, but they also need to stay engaged,” shared Hauger. Such thoughts demonstrate the editors’ dedication to creating visually charged moments, encapsulated by their exploration of dreams and visions central to each character’s path.
Continuing to unravel the women at the heart of this prequel, the directors have taken careful measures to maintain the surprise element as they traverse flashbacks and pivotal moments, keeping audiences intrigued. This dedication to detail ensures there’s no predicting where each episode could lead next, fueling devoted fans to tune back in week after week.
The stakes remain compelling as watchers inch closer to the finale on December 22, where the show hopes to reward viewers with richly layered stories, brimming with the allure of the intrigue and pulse of the characters. “Dune: Prophecy” effortlessly cultivates echoes of its predecessors, all the magnificent camera work, powerful story arcs, and immersive sound designs combine to provide validation of the prequel as worthy of the universe laid out by Frank Herbert. For ardent fans and newcomers alike, this series promises refreshments, revelations, and the constant yearning for more Dune adventures.
