TV Review: ‘Dune: Prophecy’

The new series, set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ birth, follows the early days of the mystical Bene Gesserit movement and those who sought power through bloodlines.

Jihae as Reverend Mother Kasha in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Launching on HBO and Max on Sunday, November 17th with its first episode, this six-episode new series is set in the recognizable portrayal of ‘Dune’ as established by director Denis Villeneuve with his two epic movies.

Yet it’s also different enough –– partly because it’s set 10,000 years before those films takes place and has a decidedly alternate viewpoint –– that it succeeds in being a worthwhile supplement to the movies and boasts an impressively epic scale.

Does ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Birth Greatness?

(L to R) Jodhi May and Mark Strong in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Long shelved on the list of titles deemed “unfilmable,” Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic novel ‘Dune’ has been brought to screens before –– David Lynch tried it in the 1980s with his mostly unsuccessful effort, while Denis Villeneuve has seen a lot more critical praise (not to mention box office power and awards) for his own 2021 effort, which led to this year’s follow-up.

But in an era where studios and other media companies long to keep the cash cows mooing, a couple of films years apart was never going to be enough. Hence, the TV spin-off, adapted from 2012 novel ‘Sisterhood of Dune’ by Herbert’s son Brian and prolific genre author Kevin J. Anderson, who have continued the series.

Tabu as Sister Francesca in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Fortunately, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ ranks among the better supplement series, spotlighting a different chunk of the ‘Dune’ timeline and, as the novel’s title (and original title for the show, ‘Dune: Sisterhood’) suggests, a fresh perspective on the history and power struggles inherent in the story.

While the ‘Dune’ movies certainly boast impressive and impactful women, including Zendaya’s Chani and Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica Atreides, they have skewed more towards the masculine side of the story, with Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides the anchor.’

‘Prophecy’ instead forefronts Emily Watson’s Valya Harkonnen and sister Tula, who are looking to maintain the fledgling power of the mysterious Bene Gesserit movement, which seeks to guide the powerful houses of the imperium while also battling to restore their family’s honor.

Script and Direction

Chloe Lea in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

‘Dune: Prophecy’ has not been without its challenges –– it has gone through at least one team on its way to screens (the executive producer credits are an archeological dig through previous showrunners), but developers Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker (with Schapker as the current overseer of the series) have managed to bring the story to life successfully.

Like Villeneuve’s movies, there is still the chilly air of plot over character at times, but the expansive running time of six episodes means there is certainly more room for development of the characters themselves.

Probably the best way to describe this new show is ‘Dune’ crossed with ‘Game of Thrones,’ as the story (set 10,000 years before the events of the movies) has familiar themes of jockeying for power that the films use as a backdrop for its tale of a messiah and its action. Here, those machinations are front and center, the Bene Gesserit order leading the way in plotting the future of the empire by pulling strings through breeding programs and setting themselves up as advisors to the leaders of the great houses.

Faoileann Cunningham in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

The scripts are meaty and work well in context –– this certainly feels like it belongs in the ‘Dune’ movie universe but isn’t just more of the same.

Similarly, the direction of the show establishes a visual style that is akin to the ‘Dune’ films, yet has its own personality, set in chilly palaces and featuring water much more as a motif than the dusty dunes of Arrakis (though there is a key plot point/character whose story have their roots in the familiar desert locale).

Main director Anna Foerster sets the tone and style early on, and the four episodes given to press certainly don’t dip in quality on that front.

Oh, but as with ‘Game of Thrones’ there are the occasional moments (which fall away as the season moves on) where it feels like HBO pressure to deliver exposition while people have sex.

‘Dune: Prophecy’: Performances

Though it features two powerful central figures (and fantastic actors playing them), the show never feels overbalanced.

Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen

Emily Watson as Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Watson is in her element here, playing the imperious and crafty, yet believably driven Valya, who both wants to make sure the Bene Gesserit’s mission stays intact but also has plans to restore her family to what she sees as its rightful position of power.

The actor is excellent as this sort of role, as Valya comes to life in way that is truly satisfying.

Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen

Olivia Williams as Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Like her co-star, Williams delivers a commanding, if more vulnerable performance. Whereas some shows might have sidelined Tula, ‘Prophecy’ finds plenty for her to do as she takes over running the Bene Gesserit school in her sister’s absence.

Williams is trusted with some great moments and carries them all off.

Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart

Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Fimmel plays a man whose motivations we won’t talk about too much so as to avoid spoilers, but suffice to say he’s a soldier with a secret, and he’s seeking to win favor from the emperor –– oh, and he’s no fan of Valya and her sect. His subtle yet burning charisma is a good counterpoint to the more mannered, colder performances of some of the other main cast.

Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez

Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez Corrino in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Boussina’s princess is a key part of the early going –– daughter of the Emperor, she’s a prospect for a house-uniting marriage, which goes badly in a way nobody quite sees coming. The young actor brings spirit and attitude to her role.

Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino

Mark Strong in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

Strong is having a good run on HBO of late, between this and his role on ‘The Penguin.’ Here, his emperor is a man who is concerned that he’s inherited all his power and is sometimes unsure how to wield it. He can be led by others, but Strong brings him to complicated life.

Other notable characters

The various young women who attend the Bene Gesserit school all have their own personalities, and a couple come into play well in the main storyline.

Final Thoughts

Jihae as Reverend Mother Kasha in 'Dune: Prophecy'. Photo: Courtesy of HBO.

A worthy companion to the big screen offerings, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ shares a few of its weaknesses but finds its own strength in the characters and the welcome amount of time it has to develop them.

With only four episodes of the six available, it’s hard to tell if it’ll stick the landing of the first season, but the signs are good so far.

‘Dune: Prophecy’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

Dune: Prophecy

"True power begins with control."

TV-MA1 SeasonsNovember 17th, 2024

Watch Dune: Prophecy Online

What’s the plot of ‘Dune: Prophecy’?

From the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by 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.