Dune: Prophecy showrunner Alison Schapker explained why the upcoming prequel TV show had its title changed ahead of its upcoming release. The next Dune: Prophecy is set 10,000 years before Paul Atreideis’ rise to power on Arrakis, following the Harkonnen sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams) as they become the founders of the Bene Gesserit. The show is based on the short novel by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson Dune Brotherhoodand was originally titled Dune: The Brotherhood until the name was changed in November 2023.
Talking to ColliderSchapker explained how Dune: Prophecy became the final name of the series because, although the Bene Gesserit are important, the series has a much broader scope is exploring too. The showrunner explained how Valya and Tula’s storyline will also impact other elements of the known universe, such as “the Great Houses and the Empire,” as well as the prophecy that leads Paul to become the Lisan al-Gaib. Check out what Schapker had to say below:
Look, the Brotherhood is very much our point of origin, and I think there was a time when that title was very grounding and guiding for the show. We’re still explaining it as “This is the origin story of the Bene Gesserit,” but I feel like it’s also set in a fully realized world where it involves the Great Houses, the Empire, and the Emperor. Eventually, over time, there are other schools – there are the Mentats, there is the Space Guild. There’s so much in the world that I don’t think we wanted to artificially restrict it in the title, ultimately. And in a way, Dune: Prophecy is very representative of the Brotherhood because obviously they’re going to put into play a prophecy that will bring Paul Atreides, and it’s very similar to who they are, but I think it also allows anyone in the Imperium to relate to that. – what we believe, what we don’t believe, what stories we will tell, who we will elevate with these stories. I think Dune: Prophecy is also thematically very faithful to the show.
What Schapker’s statement says about Dune: Prophecy being the show’s final title
It is a more appropriate name given the scope of the program
The cast of Dune: Prophecy will have an important role to play in the development of the entire franchise, as the Bene Gesserit control what happens in the known universe from the shadows. This includes planting Lisan al-Gaib seeds on Arrakiswhich led Paul to use his powers as Kwisatz Haderach to later become Emperor of humanity. Given this development thousands of years later, it makes sense that the show’s name reflects both its own events and the events it is destined to create.
While calling the series Dune: Brotherhood would have been a fitting nod to the novelthe broader scale of its title indicates a larger focus that goes beyond the Harkonnens. This might even set the stage for the next Dune: Part Threeemphasizing the importance of what the Bene Gesserit does and how it puts together films. For now, however, there is still a lot of mystery about how the group’s formation will directly impact the galaxy at the very beginning of its formation, something that the series will undoubtedly explore in the coming episodes.
Our Take on Why Dune: Prophecy Is the Prequel Series Title
It’s the perfect way to emphasize the broader story of the work
Although Dune: Brotherhood would better align the show with the novel it is based on, Dune: Prophecy helps highlight the show’s importance to the entire franchise. As the Bene Gesserit play a consistently important role in the franchise, it’s equally important for the show to emphasize this point in its title. With many details still to be explored, it seems the plot that unfolds will also highlight why the title wanted to emphasize the broader story at work.
Dune: Prophecy will consist of six episodes.
Source: Collider