Dune: Prophecy Trailer Debuts at NYCC, Teasing Origins of the Bene Gesserit

The much-loved Dune universe is expanding once again, with a new series set to delve into the rich and mysterious lore of Frank Herbert’s universe.

At the New York Comic Con, the first trailer for Dune: Prophecy, a six-episode prequel series, dropped, leaving fans buzzing about what’s to come.

The new series will officially premiere on November 17 at on HBO, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. The show is based on Sisterhood of Dune, a novel by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert, the son of Frank Herbert. Set 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, it explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the powerful order of women that plays a central role in the Dune saga.

The Harkonnen Sisters

This time, the focus shifts to two Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. Their story centers on the creation of the sisterhood that eventually becomes the Bene Gesserit, whose influence spans social, political, and spiritual realms, shaping the fate of the galaxy. The cast also includes notable talents such as Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, and Mark Strong.

(Image credit: HBO)

2024 has already been an explosive year for science fiction and Dune fans. Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two hit theaters earlier this year, adapting the latter half of Frank Herbert’s iconic novel. The film was both a critical and box-office hit, and the excitement doesn’t stop there. Villeneuve has confirmed that Dune: Part Three, an adaptation of the sequel novel Dune Messiah, is already in the works.

The Dune Universe Expands

But before diving into that, Dune: Prophecy promises to transport fans even deeper into the rich tapestry of the Dune universe, exploring the secret origins of the Bene Gesserit and the lore that underpins Herbert’s sprawling narrative. Despite Villeneuve’s lack of direct involvement, the new series remains closely tied to the tone and style of his films.

Executive producer Jordan Goldberg spoke with Empire to assure fans that Dune: Prophecy “is absolutely in the same universe.” He added, “We feel like we have to follow the essence of what Denis has done. He set the tone.” Fans can expect a mix of genres, with Goldberg teasing “political intrigue, espionage, action, adventure, romance, and even horror.” Clearly, the series intends to provide a fresh take on Dune while maintaining its iconic world-building.

Watson added some humor to the Comic Con panel, joking that the series is set “10,000 years BC – Before Chalamet.” But even though the timeline is far removed from the Dune films, the aesthetic remains connected. Co-showrunner Alison Schapker explained the reasoning behind the show’s familiar look, saying, “During the Machine Wars, humans fought against computers and AI, which led to a ban on thinking machines. This stagnated technology, resulting in the neo-feudal-meets-sci-fi aesthetic that fans love.”

(Image credit: HBO)

It’s a fascinating concept in today’s world, where AI development is advancing rapidly. Schapker notes that Dune imagines what happens when humanity faces the worst-case scenario with technology, and how society rebuilds after near-extinction. The show’s setting is sure to intrigue fans who crave more of the universe’s unique blend of futurism and ancient mysticism.

(Image credit: HBO)

With the combination of political drama, action-packed sequences, and deeper lore into one of Dune‘s most mysterious organizations, Dune: Prophecy is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the sci-fi epic. The countdown to November 17 has begun.