Dune: Prophecy arrived on Max in late 2024, and the prequel series has already been renewed for a second season. Dune: Prophecy takes place 10,000 years before the events in Dune and reveals how the powerful Bene Gesserit formed the universe and assumed their position of immense power. However, the path to television has not been easy, with the streaming series undergoing major changes since it was announced, both in terms of creative talent and the actors involved.
Originally, Dune: Prophecy news revealed that Denis Villeneuve was adapting the story for the small screen alongside his work on bringing the protagonist Dune story to the big screen. This wouldn't last, and the series went through more than one change in showrunner position. After the lead actor also left in early 2023, a new lead actor was hired and a new director came on board to helm the series. Despite all this turmoil, Dune: Prophecy lived up to expectations when it arrived in late 2024 and set the stage for the Frank Herbert-inspired show to become a long-running TV hit.
Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Critical Reception
A mixed but positive reception for the debut season
Earning a respectable 70% score on Rotten tomatoesthe series has rarely received much praise, but it has also never been criticized.
Unlike the universally praised films of recent Dune franchise, Dune: Prophecy was met with somewhat mixed reviews from critics. Earning a respectable 70% score on Rotten tomatoesthe series has rarely received much praise, but it has also never been criticized. The much more severe aggregator, Metacriticoffered a score of 64%, and it appears that an average rating just north of 50% appears to be common. Many reviews pointed to the series' intriguing yet dense story.which is simultaneously interesting and overwhelming. One thing no critic could criticize was the high production value.
Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Cast Details
Who stars in the Dune prequel?
The cast of Dune: Prophecy changed a lot before finally airingand several cast members left. However, Olivia Williams (The crown) eventually signed on to play the lead role of Tula Harkonnen. Tula is one of the first members of House Harkonnen who murdered her husband Orry Atreides on their wedding night. Emily Watson (Chernobyl) plays Tula's older sister, Mother Superior Valya Harkonnenthe second Reverend Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit Order.
Marco Forte (Shazam!) has signed on to play Emperor Javicco Corrino, who is described as “a man from a great lineage of emperors in times of war, who is called upon to rule the Empire and administer a fragile peace.”Jade Anouka (Your dark materials) plays Sister Theodosia, “a talented and ambitious acolyte of the Brotherhood who harbors a dangerous secret about her past.” and Chris Mason (large church) signed on to play Keiran Atreides, “a master swordsman for a great house [who] forms an unexpected connection with a member of the royal family.“
The cast includes:
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Actor |
Dune: Role of Prophecy |
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|---|---|---|
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Emily Watson |
Valya Harkonnen |
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Olivia Williams |
Tula Harkonnen |
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Jodhi May |
Empress Natalia |
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Sarah-Sofie Boussnina |
Princess Inez |
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Shalom Brune-Franklin |
Mikaela |
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Faoileann Cunningham |
Sister Jen |
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Chloe Lea |
Lavender |
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Travis Fimmel |
Desmond Hart |
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Strong brand |
Emperor Javicco Corrino |
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Jade Anouka |
Sister Theodosia |
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Chris Mason |
Keiran Atreides |
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Dune: Prophecy Season 1 Trailers
Watch the trailers below
HBO Max released two trailers, along with confirmation that the show was still expected to arrive in late 2024. In the teaser, which reveals the show is set 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreidesthe Bene Gesserit conspired with the early Harkonnens to assume the control they would later exercise in centuries to come. However, the trailer also reveals that the rise to power came with major consequences.
Max finally released a full trailer to Dune: Prophecy in October 2024, and reveals plot details for the prequel. The Brotherhood plans to control the throne of the Empire, but Emperor Javicco Corrino's grip on the crown is waning. Clearly desiring the power that is offered through control of Arrakis, the Brotherhood faces another challenge when Desmond Hart arrives and offers to help the Emperor completely rid the Empire of the Brotherhood.
Dune: Prophecy season 1 finale and spoilers
What happens 10,000 years before Dune?
After a season of intrigue and political upheaval, the end of Dune: Prophecy the first season indicated that the Bene Gesserit's journey was just beginning. Befitting a science fiction franchise with some of the densest lore in history, the series finale offered some answers to lingering questions while also upending the fragile balance that had been struck in the corridors of power. This all adds up to the upcoming sophomore season, and it's clear that Max has long-term plans for the Dune prequel series.
Dune: Prophecy Season 2 Setup
Season 2 is already confirmed
Image via Max
Although there was some speculation about whether Dune: Prophecy would be a miniseries, this problem was quickly resolved at the end of the 1st season. Barely offering any conclusion, the end of season 1 actually destabilized the entire situation, making season 2 a necessity. Happily, Max wasted no time in renewing the series for a second seasonwhich means the prequel will return for more in the near future.