© Courtesy of HBO
If you've been awestruck by the giant worms Shai-Hulud, the endless desert landscapes, or the combat scenes from the two parts of the Dune saga featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, we have good news for you. Starting November 17, fans can indulge in Dune: Prophecy, the prequel miniseries to the saga arriving on HBO. Time to sink into your couch, in pajama/blanket mode, and enjoy this captivating viewing experience.
10,000 years earlier…
Based on a prequel book written by the son of the saga's original author, Frank Herbert, the miniseries focuses on this mysterious group of women with strange powers: the Bene Gesserit order. We follow two Harkonnen sisters (does the name ring a bell?), Valya (Emily Watson, Chernobyl) and Tula (Olivia Williams, The Sixth Sense), engaged in a battle against dark forces threatening humanity. Their best asset to fight evil in their own way? Their sect, exclusively female and dedicated to teaching mystical powers to young women.
Valya seeks at all costs to place her students (Charithra Chandran, Bridgerton) within the major courts of their galaxy, aiming to ensure control over the political decisions made in the Empire. Her sister Tula, on the other hand, believes that the salvation of humanity might be found in communicating with their ancestors, at the dawn of the Bene Gesserit order. The two Harkonnen sisters then select from among their students: one to deploy them amidst court intrigues, the other to subject them to substances that might open communication with their deceased sisters.
Feminism and science fiction
The story of the development and rise of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood takes place over 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides, the saga's protagonist (Timothée Chalamet), and just after humanity’s victory in a very specific war. Indeed, humanity has just defeated the Thinking Machines, which calls to mind our own robots, which might someday turn against us…
The series, initially titled Dune: The Sisterhood, finds its origins in Denis Villeneuve’s enduring fascination with the Bene Gesserit order. As he says, "Focusing a series on this powerful order of women seems not only relevant and inspiring, but is part of a real dynamic in the world of series." True to the universe, Dune: Prophecy features massive spaceships, mind-bending journeys, and of course, thrilling combat scenes. Not to be missed to brighten up your November.
Dune: Prophecy. Available November 17 on HBO.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzVHWNosS2o
Also, check out our selection of must-watch series for November and the iconic series featuring Cate Blanchett, directed by Alfonso Cuaron.
© Courtesy of HBO
