Lifestyle Asia Singapore: Unveiling the Release Date, Plot, and Cast

The sci-fi universe is abuzz with excitement as Denis Villeneuve’s Dune franchise continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With the first two films grossing over USD 1.1 billion, it’s no surprise that a prequel series, Dune: Prophecy, is in the works to delve into 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 been a tumultuous one for the maker Alison Schapker, with the series undergoing 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. The latest buzz surrounding Dune: Prophecy is the casting of legendary Indian actor Tabu in the recurring role of Sister Francesca.

But who else is starring in the series apart from Tabu? Olivia Williams will play the lead role of Tula Harkonnen, while Emily Watson will portray Tula’s older sister, Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen. Mark Strong has signed up to play Emperor Javicco Corrino, and Jade Anouka will play Sister Theodosia. Chris Mason rounds out the cast as Keiran Atreides.

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.”

Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Diane Ademu-John co-developing the series alongside him as an executive producer.

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 a fall 2024 premiere date. Dune 3 (the movie) is also in the works and is said to be released sometime in 2026, so the prequel series will ideally be released before that.

Excitement is building as the first official trailer for Dune: Prophecy has been released by the makers and the streamer. Fans can’t wait to dive into the rich and intricate world of Dune once again.

With a stellar cast and a compelling storyline, Dune: Prophecy is set to be a must-watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and additional details about this highly anticipated series.