The Dune universe just got a lot bigger. HBO is ready to expand the story that began with Frank Herbert’s legendary sci-fi novels with the new series, Dune: Prophecy. The show, set to premiere on November 17, will explore the very roots of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood—those enigmatic and manipulative figures from the original story. Here’s a complete guide to everything we know so far about Dune: Prophecy, including its connection to Denis Villeneuve’s films, why you should care about the Bene Gesserit, and whether there’s any required reading to get the full experience.
What’s Dune: Prophecy All About?
Dune: Prophecy is set 10,000 years before the events we saw in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies. At that time, the galaxy was going through a period called “The Great Rebuilding,” a time when new schools of thought and emerging power groups laid the foundations for what the Dune universe would eventually become. The series promises to dig into the early origins of the Bene Gesserit, a secretive sisterhood with their own mysterious agenda.
Showrunner Alison Shepke has described the setting as a time when society was “rebuilding from past cataclysms,” and it’s the birth of a movement—the Bene Gesserit—that will later become pivotal to the events in the main Dune timeline. The series will premiere on HBO and will also be available for streaming on Max, with the first season consisting of six episodes.
The Connection to Denis Villeneuve’s Films
Although Dune: Prophecy is a prequel set thousands of years before the iconic Paul Atreides storyline, it still ties into Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation in several interesting ways. The show’s exploration of the Bene Gesserit—a group integral to Paul’s journey and his rise to power—provides crucial background on how they came to be the power players we know from the films. This makes it an interesting watch for fans of Villeneuve’s work, especially as Villeneuve himself has announced he’s eyeing an adaptation of Dune Messiah, the follow-up book to Dune.
So, if you want to better understand the sisterhood’s motivations and their long-term planning—such as the infamous breeding program that led to Paul Atreides’ birth—this series is an ideal place to start. Villeneuve’s involvement is largely indirect, but it’s clear that the new series will enrich the lore of his movie trilogy.
The Bene Gesserit Explained
The Bene Gesserit have always been among the most enigmatic elements of Dune. They are more than just an order of mystics; they are a secretive political and social force wielding vast influence behind the scenes. Known for their abilities to control people using the “Voice” and their deep-seated understanding of genetic lines, they play a crucial role in guiding history—always with their own mysterious goals in mind.
In Dune: Prophecy, we’ll witness the formation of the Bene Gesserit and see them experimenting with early versions of their powers and ideology. Olivia Williams, who stars in the show, teased that the series will even explore the science behind fear: “We look at if fear can be generated on a bacterial level,” she revealed. This ties directly to the Bene Gesserit motto—“Fear is the mind-killer.” We’ll see the origins of their manipulations and how they establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Villeneuve’s Announcement About Dune Messiah
Denis Villeneuve has made it clear that his journey with the Dune universe isn’t stopping anytime soon. While he’s already working on Dune: Part Two, the director has hinted at adapting Dune Messiah after that. For the uninitiated, Dune Messiah is the second book in Herbert’s series and continues the story of Paul Atreides as he grapples with the consequences of becoming a messianic figure.
Villeneuve sees Dune Messiah as a necessary follow-up to conclude Paul’s arc, which further underscores the importance of the Bene Gesserit—one of the factions who remain deeply intertwined in the Atreides saga. Watching Dune: Prophecy will likely add some depth and context to Villeneuve’s upcoming films.
Do You Need to Read the Books?
The short answer? No, you don’t have to read all of Frank Herbert’s books to enjoy Dune: Prophecy. However, if you’re someone who likes going into a story with a bit of backstory, reading the first Dune novel would be helpful. It gives a solid understanding of the broader universe, the political intrigue, and the role of the Bene Gesserit. For a deeper appreciation, Dune: Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson provides insight into the origins of the Bene Gesserit—similar to what the series will cover.
That said, the show is designed to be accessible, providing all the key information you need about the characters and their motivations without requiring any pre-reading. It’s meant to act as both a standalone story and a way to further explore the mythology introduced in the books and movies.
How Dune: Prophecy Ties into the Dune Franchise
The idea of connecting a TV series with major blockbuster films is nothing new. We’ve seen it with Disney’s Star Wars and Marvel shows, and Warner Bros. is doing something similar with The Penguin, which ties into the world of The Batman. Dune: Prophecy isn’t meant to be a “must-watch” before you see Dune: Part Three, but it adds extra layers to the universe.
The show will expand on the background of the Atreides family and their enemies, as well as offer insight into how certain cultural and political elements—like the use of spice—evolved. According to the cast and crew, we’ll even see some recreational uses of spice that weren’t explored in the movies. It’s not just about the serious, galaxy-changing power plays; it’s also about showing how people lived and adapted to this harsh desert environment.
Villeneuve’s Vision and the Larger Dune Universe
Denis Villeneuve’s grand ambition is to bring Dune and Dune Messiah to the screen in a cohesive trilogy that doesn’t just tell the story of Paul Atreides but examines the costs of power and the myth of the “messianic hero.” With Dune: Prophecy, audiences will get a richer sense of the world’s political and religious complexity, setting the stage for the galactic power struggles that Paul eventually navigates.
Villeneuve’s involvement gives the series an air of authenticity, even if he’s not directing it himself. Fans of his work will undoubtedly appreciate the added depth and mythology that Dune: Prophecy provides, making it an excellent companion piece for the films.
Where Does This Leave Us?
As we gear up for the November 17 premiere of Dune: Prophecy, it’s clear that this series is much more than a simple prequel. It’s an ambitious dive into the lore and philosophy of the Dune universe—exploring how the Bene Gesserit formed, their pursuit of knowledge, and their unwavering ambition to shape the galaxy’s future. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Herbert’s novels or just someone who enjoyed Villeneuve’s films, Dune: Prophecy promises to enrich your understanding of this complex, fascinating world.
