Denis Villeneuve’s Dune has become an iconic franchise in the sci-fi universe with the first two films collectively grossing over USD 1.1 billion to date. Following the mega success of the films, a prequel series – Dune: Prophecy – is in the works which will explore the origins of the influential Bene Gesserit sect.
Set 10,000 years before the events of Dune, this Max Original series is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson’s novel, Sisterhood of Dune. However, the journey from the big screen to TV has not been easy for the maker Alison Schapker, with the series going through major changes since its announcement, both in terms of creative talent and the actors involved.
After the main actor left early in 2023, a new lead was signed on, and a new director came on board to helm the project. And now the latest buzz surrounding Dune: Prophecy is that it has roped in legendary Indian actor Tabu to play the recurring role of Sister Francesca
So, who else is starring in the series apart from Tabu and does Dune: Prophecy have a release date? Well, we answer all that and more below. But first…
What is ‘Dune: Prophecy’ about?
The upcoming series is inspired by the 2012 novel co-authored by Frank Herbert’s son and was originally commissioned in 2019 under the title Dune: The Sisterhood. The plot follows the Harkonnen sisters, as they establish the sect known as Bene Gesserit. They work behind the scenes to influence and manipulate politics and other matters that protect the future from catastrophe.
The official logline of the upcoming show reads, “Set within the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”
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Meet the extraordinary cast of ‘Dune: Prophecy’
First reported by Variety, the spin-off prequel has cast Indian acting thespian Tabu (A Suitable Boy) in the recurring role of Sister Francesca. The character is described as “strong, intelligent, and alluring”. “Once a great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace strains the balance of power in the capital,” says the logline.
Other than Tabu, Olivia Williams (The Crown) will play the lead role of Tula Harkonnen, an early member of the House Harkonnen, who murdered her husband Orry Atreides on her wedding night and Emily Watson (Chernobyl) will play Tula’s older sister, Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen.
Mark Strong (Shazam!) has signed up to take on the role of Emperor Javicco Corrino, who is described as “a man from a great line of war-time Emperors called upon to govern the Imperium and manage a fragile peace.” Jade Anouka (Fool Me Once) will play Sister Theodosia, “a talented and ambitious acolyte at the Sisterhood who harbours a dangerous secret about her past”, and Chris Mason (Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists) has signed on to play Keiran Atreides, “a Swordmaster to a Great House [who] forms an unexpected connection to a member of the royal family.”
Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer with Diane Ademu-John co-developing the series alongside him as an executive producer.
Do we have a release date for ‘Dune: Prophecy’ in Singapore?
The series has already had several creative shakeups until production got underway in November 2023 around the SAG-AFTRA strike. The strike has since been resolved, and the series could wrap up production in a few months and eye for a fall 2024 premiere date.
Also, Dune 3 (the movie) is in the works and is said to be released sometime in 2026, so the prequel series will ideally be released before that.
Do we have a trailer for ‘Dune: Prophecy’?
A trailer for the upcoming sci-fi series is yet to be released by the makers and the streamer.
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(Header and feature image courtesy: Instagram/Dune Movie/Tabu)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– When will Dune: Prophecy premiere in Singapore?
The series will most likely wrap up production in a few months and eye a fall 2024 premiere date.
– Who is in the cast of Dune: Prophecy?
Dune: Prophecy will star Tabu, Olivia Williams, Emily Watson, Johdi May, Travis Fimmel, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Mark Strong, Chloe Lea, Josh Heuston and Jade Anouka, amongst others.
– What role is Tabu playing in Dune: Prophecy?
Tabu will be seen playing the recurring role of Sister Francesca. The character is described as “strong, intelligent, and alluring.” Once a great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace strains the balance of power in the capital.
