In 1965, Frank Herbert released the first volume of his literary saga. From, Dune has established itself as a true monument in the hearts of many science fiction fans. Three years ago, director Denis Villeneuve gave us an acclaimed first film, posting the fifth best start of that year in France and collecting $400 million at the worldwide box office.
A little earlier this year, the filmmaker met us again in cinemas. It is clear that he did not make us wait in vain. Dune: Part Two is even more impactful and spectacular. After having placed all the pawns on the board, the director allowed himself an opus with a more frantic pace. Yay!
Between adored actors (Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Pedro Pascal in the 1st), a renowned director, a base already acclaimed by readers, the cinematographic saga Dune is therefore the new goose that lays the golden eggs of Warner Bros. So why stop there? While the next film won’t be released before the end of 2026 (if all goes well, at least), Warner Bros. found the solution: offering us a prequel to Dune on the small screen. Enough to help us be patient.
What if Dune Prophecy was the series favorite at the end of the year? We were able to discover the first episode. Here’s what we thought about it.
A captivating dive into Dune’s past
If you have watched the cinematic saga Duneyou obviously know the Bene Gesserit women’s organization, of which Paul Atréides’ mother is a member. However, these “Sisters” and their community remain quite mysterious. This is where Warner Bros. had a genius idea: dedicate a series to them.
So, the series Dune Prophecy is adapted from the novel The Community of Sisters by Frank Herbert and which takes us 10,000 years before the events of the films. Well before the birth of dear Paul, therefore. However, you will see that you will not be completely in unknown territory. Indeed, many large families involved in feature films are already there.
Dune Prophecy therefore invites us to follow the rise of the Bene Gesserit sorority through sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen. This is the opportunity to learn more about this semi-mystical organization and see how it pulls the strings in the shadows of the great families. Enough to better understand all the issues and political implications of these women who always remain in the dark. Already fascinating in the films, being able to delve into the subject is even more exciting.
It only takes a few moments to transport us back into the universe imagined by Franck Herbert almost 50 years ago. The series wastes no time and we are already won over by the proposition. The synopsis is particularly convincing and we find ourselves hanging on the lips of these women who are always moving in the shadows to realize… The prophecy. No suspense, it was all in the title.
Dune Prophecy stands out for its share of excellent actresses, carefully chosen to make the heart of this sorority beat. Emily Watson (Breaking the Waves is stunning in the role of Reverend Mother Valya Harkonnen, just as it is a pleasure to find Jessica Barden (The End of the F*****g World) who plays him younger. Olivia Williams (The Crown), Johdi May and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina are also convincing in their respective roles.
Cherry on the cake? The new MAX series offers careful and meticulous staging. All that remains to be done is to wait and see if the sequel lives up to this first episode, but it could well be that Dune Prophecy THE series to watch at the end of the year. It can be discovered this Monday, November 18 on MAX.
