After the success of the two ‘Dune‘ films, the universe is set to expand to television with the upcoming series ‘Dune: Prophecy‘.
Max on Friday, dropped the first trailer that introduces fans to the rich lore of Arrakis, set 10,000 years before the events of the feature films and the birth of Paul Atreides. The series will reportedly focus on the rise of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful sisterhood that played a pivotal role in the original ‘Dune’ storyline.There among the sisterhood will be Indian actress Tabu, starring alongside Emily Watson and Olivia Williams who will portray two sisters from the formidable Harkonnen family, who are instrumental in the founding of the Bene Gesserit.
Amidst the buzz around the new clip, director Vishal Bhardwaj took to his handle to cheer for Tabu and her debut Hollywood venture. Sharing the trailer, he wrote, “Filled with pride and joy for the pound of my heart @tabutiful jiska koi sani nahi.”
Set in the aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad—when humanity defeated artificial intelligence—the show will explore how the Bene Gesserit established their influence across the galaxy. Set in a galaxy ruled by Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) and Empress Natalya, alongside their descendant, Princess Ynez, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ introduces a new set of characters, though familiar names from houses like Harkonnen, Atreides, and Corrino.
The cast includes Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chloe Lea, Charitra Chandra and Jade Anouka as members of the emerging sisterhood. Shalom Brune-Franklin will take on the role of a Fremen servant, while Desmond Hart will play a soldier who opposes the sisterhood. Chris Mason will represent the noble Atreides family.
According to showrunner and executive producer Alison Schapker, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ will delve into the origins of the sisterhood, tracing their ascent to power during what she describes as “the Dark Ages of Dune.” She explains, “Humans have defeated artificial intelligence, and thinking machines are banned. Now, humanity is in a period of rebuilding… The great schools are rising, and one of these great schools is the sisterhood, the Bene Gesserit. We’re gonna get to see how they rose to power.”
The trailer has received a warm reception from fans of the franchise, however, Indian fans waiting to see Tabu work her magic on the screen, were let down with her blink and miss appearance. While the other characters in the series get their time to shine on-screen, Tabu makes just two brief appearances.
However, according to the latest buzz, fans have a lot to look forward to as Tabu plays an important role in the seres. Cheering her on, one fan remarked, “Tabu looks amazing as a Bene Gesserit! She’s always had that aura around her acting, so proud to see excellent Indian actors get their flowers.”
Despite initial scepticism surrounding a ‘Dune’ spin-off, the impressive trailer and enthusiastic response from the cast have generated considerable excitement, suggesting that ‘Dune: Prophecy’ could become a standout sci-fi TV spin-offs.
‘Dune: Prophecy’ premieres on November 17 on Max.
