First trailer revealed for ‘Dune’ prequel series, ‘Dune: Prophecy’
Following the recent cinematic resurgence of the Dune franchise, Frank Herbert’s serialised sci-fi novels, a new prequel series is set to arrive in the autumn and is helmed by Alison Schapker, famed for her previous work on Fringe.
Warner Bros have shared a first-look trailer for Dune: Prophecy, which premiered at the Discovery Upfront presentation in New York City. The action-packed and tortuous plot is to be based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel Sisterhood of Dune, which imagined the events leading up to Frank Herbert’s first novel. The book was published in 2012, 26 years after Frank’s death, dutifully co-created by his eldest son.
Following the remarkable success of Dune: Part Two, which grossed $710 million globally since its arrival in March, Dune: Prophecy is poised to quench the thirst of fans further. The series is produced by Legendary Television, which helms the movie franchise, in collaboration with Max.
The official synopsis prepares viewers for a thick plot of survival against the odds. “10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides,” it reads, “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.”
Schapker takes the reins as executive producer in addition to her role as showrunner. Meanwhile, the cast features a promising lineup, including Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha.
Additionally, Diane Ademu-John contributed to the series’ development and serves as an executive producer. Anna Foerster, known for her work on Outlander, serves as an executive producer and directs several episodes, including the premiere. Executive producers include Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts.
The novel’s original writer, Brian Herbert, joins Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert to represent the Frank Herbert estate and serve as executive producers alongside Schapker. Co-author Kevin J. Anderson is also attached as a co-producer on the project
In a four-and-a-half star review, Far Out said of Dune: Part 2: “I’d found Dune: Part One to be a mere science fiction cliché exercise, perhaps admittedly owing to Herbert’s singular original influence on the genre. By the time Part Two’s nearly-three-hour runtime had drawn to a close – even featuring a seemingly rushed ending – I’d undoubtedly become a new convert to Paul’s quest, utterly mesmerised by its prophetic vision and some of the greatest science fiction moments in contemporary cinema.”