Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by Stephinie Heitman
Dune: Prophecy is a 2024 TV Series Episode 6 created by Diane Ademu-John & Alison Schapker.
Based on Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson. The film stars Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Mark Strong, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Camilla Beeput, Sarah Lam, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Emma Canning, Jessica Barden, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Flora Montgomery, Tessa Bonham, Laura Howard, Edward Davis, Tabu, & Jihae, theater released November 17, 2024.
Many, many years ago in 1965, Frank Herbert created a novel that changed the future of science fiction for good. But that was not all; it was not just an exciting story of aliens and different planets; it was a profound commentary on the consequences of following leaders unquestioningly allowing religion to overpower all, or giving all the authority to one person. Fast forward to today, and director Denis Villeneuve turned Herbert’s Dune into two blockbuster movies: Hence, the following movies: Dune: Part One, which was released in 2021 as well as Dune: Part Two, which was released in March 2024. These films brought Herbert’s story back into the spotlight, earning over a billion dollars at the box office and creating a massive fanbase eagerly waiting for the next chapter, Dune: Messiah.
But there’s a bit of a wait — Villeneuve isn’t starting Dune: Messiah until 2026. So, HBO decided to keep the excitement alive with Dune: Prequel series titled Prophecy (previously known as Dune: The Sisterhood), which will take place thousands of years before the movies. This series dives into the roots of two powerful groups in the Dune universe: the Corrino Empire and the Bene Gesserit sisterhood – these two are significant in the world created by Frank Herbert.
What is Dune: Prophecy About?
It is 10,000 years before Paul Atreides – portrayed by Timothée Chalamet in the films – was even born, and 80 years following a significant event called the Butlerian Jihad. This is the concept of a war where humans killed intelligent machines and this created the universe that is depicted in Dune.
At the heart of Dune: Prophecy and Prophecy are two antagonistic forces. First, there is the Corrino Empire with its current ruler Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) the real power however lies in the hands of his wife, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May). Second, there is a speculative and sinister group called Bene Gesserit sisterhood, explaining geriatric and political techniques of persuasion, coercion, and control, extending to the physical plane. Sisterhood’s leader Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen acted by Emily Watson is even more assertive and unscrupulous to gain these positions. She is accompanied by her sister, Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams), who supports Valya’s actions but sometimes doubts the rightness of such actions.
The show excels in presenting how Valya and Tula gain authority and the conflicts with the personal growth they experience on the way. This is one of the show’s strengths, as the actresses involved do a good job of portraying their animosity, and the audience is left on the edge of their seats.
New Faces in the Dune Universe
The Harkonnen sisters are not the center of attention here as well. Lila (Chloe Lea) and Theodosia (Jade Anouka), both approaching Bene Gesserit membership, offer the series’ youngblood. Specifically, Tula becomes friends with Lila, a kind and thoughtful girl who treats her like a mother and a daughter. While, Theodosia is a confident and envious girl, who manages to climb to the top and become Valya’s favorite student. When people are translating their experiences, they contribute to the development of the Dune world, which will be interesting for both newcomers and those who have read the novels.
But things are not so serene in the Corrino Empire, oh no, there’s far too much family tension. Technically, the Emperor may sit on the throne, but Empress Natalya understands how to manipulate the court. Their daughter, Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), wants something else entirely, and their rebellious son, Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston), seems to have no interest in power at the start of the series. Although these characters contribute to the plot’s complexity, their arcs aren’t as engaging as what occurs within the Bene Gesserit.
What Are the Merits Compared to the Film Adaptations?
If you loved Villeneuve’s Dune movies for their detailed world-building and epic scope, Dune: Prophecy might feel a bit different. What stands out is the fact that the series is less concerned with cosmic-level conflicts than the movies were. That is because this series is based on the prequel novel Sisterhood of Dune by Frank Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, along with co-author Kevin J. Anderson. To some extent, the book is not regarded as a great one by many of the fans but the HBO series is a step up from the book, therefore the showrunner is Alison Schapker.
Schapker, who has previously worked on sci-fi shows such as Fringe and Altered Carbon, has her take on the plot but she does not deviate far from the lore established in Dune. It is not like the movies exactly, yet it is still within the same context and related to it. The costumes, the setting, and the overall aesthetic look authentic and perfectly align with their favorite director Denis Villeneuve’s works.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re expecting Dune: However, if you were expecting prophecy to be as good as Villeneuve’s masterpieces, then you could be disappointed. But if you go in with a clear list of expectations apart from considering it as a separate entity altogether, what you have here is a well-casted sci-fi show complemented by spectacular graphics and engaging characters. It is not as revolutionary as the movies, but it is a worthy addition that will allow you to explore the Dune universe further while waiting for the next cinematic film.
For some, the series has high expectations to live up to, and while it does not yield much to the films, it is good enough for the fans who are eager to have more of Dune. The last episodes might determine the success or failure of this show, so I cross my fingers that it will do well at this point.
Dune: Prophecy 2024 Parents Guide Age Rating
Dune: Prophecy is Rated TV-MA by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA)
Violence and Gore:
The show features frequent depictions of violence, often intense and unsettling:
- Battles and combat: There are fight scenes where the characters fight with their fists, with swords, and in other combat situations. Violence, including blood, and bruises is depicted realistically with little to no emphasis on excessive gore.
- Assassinations and conspiracies: Some characters are murdered for political reasons while others are killed as part of a plan. These moments are dramatic and sometimes even gory.
- Torture and suffering: There may be cases where characters experience pain, either physical or metaphorical, especially when some characters are dominating others.
- Flashbacks to war: Large-scale violence is depicted after the Butlerian Jihad, but only in an indirect way which demonstrates its consequences on the inhabitants of Arrakis.
- Psychological violence: People cheat and deceive one another, and this has social implications that may make the audience uncomfortable.
Sexual Content and Nudity:
There are scenes involving sexual themes and nudity, though they are often used to emphasize the power struggles and manipulative nature of the characters rather than purely for titillation:
- Partial nudity: There are specific scenes of the Bene Gesserite sisterhood that depict nudity; nonetheless, there is no sexual exploitation.
- Sexual relationships: It revolves around the dynamics of human interactions, specifically, promises of cheating and subconscious affairs between individuals. Such dynamics can relate to the characters’ desires and the deceitful environment of Dune.
- Implied sexual violence: There is no portrayed graphic witness or reference to physical or sexual abuse or threat, yet the latter might be sensitive to some audience members as linked to power dominance.
Profanity:
The dialogue includes occasional strong language, consistent with the TV-MA rating:
Frequent use of strong language: It is rare in the series to have characters refrain from cursing, particularly when they are angry or authoritative figures. Expect the moderate level of profanity that includes the use of “damn” and “hell” to strong ones like “bastard” and “f***”.
Substance Use:
Some characters are shown using substances or engaging in behavior that suggests intoxication:
- Alcohol: Characters consume alcohol socially and during stressful situations, business meetings, and governmental events.
- Drug use: There are references to such substances as ‘spice’; and this is occasionally depicted being taken; although the effects are more associated with consciousness-raising than inebriation.
Overall Parental Recommendation: While Dune: Prophecy can be described as a captivating and highly elaborate narrative; however, it should be noted that the given book was created for readers of mature age only, as there are numerous violent scenes and, in some cases, descriptions of the sexual activities as well. It is recommended that parents or guardians who want the teen to watch this show should be well informed of what goes on in this show and may even watch one episode to determine its suitability.
