Epic Expansion of 'Dune' Universe

The rich and expansive universe of “Dune” is about to explode in size with the upcoming release of “Dune: Prophecy,” a six-part prequel series set to premiere this Sunday on Max. While the iconic desert landscapes of Arrakis, made famous by Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve's recent films, may steal the show, this series is geared to take audiences to worlds far beyond.

New Environments and Characters

According to executive producer Alison Schapker, “Dune: Prophecy” immerses viewers in “totally different environments” and timeframes, meticulously weaving together the original stories created by Frank Herbert with the cinematic visions that have captured audiences' imaginations. “People are deeply attached to the ‘Dune’ universe,” Schapker revealed. With a portfolio that includes groundbreaking series such as “Westworld,” “Lost,” and “Alias,” she underscores her commitment to respecting the cherished lore while also injecting new life into it.

The Origin Story of the Bene Gesserit

Set a staggering 10,000 years before the events of Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part 1” and “Dune: Part 2,” this prequel delves into the origin story of the Bene Gesserit, a formidable group of women possessing extraordinary mental and physical abilities. Fans can expect an engaging narrative revolving around the characters Valya (played by Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen, as they battle against threatening forces in a bid to shape the future of humankind and establish the illustrious sect that will become the Bene Gesserit.

New Worlds to Discover

Among the various new worlds featured, viewers will discover Salusa Secundus - traditionally seen as a prison planet in Villeneuve's films but reimagined here as an imperial hub - along with Wallach IX, the institutional base of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, and the icy planet of Lankiveil, which serves as a backdrop for Harkonnen exile.

Commitment to Visual Style and Storytelling

Schapker and her team took immense care in developing these settings, aiming for a visual style that remains consistent with the films while grounding the expansive lore through multidimensional characters. This conscious balancing act ensures that newcomers can effortlessly dive into the “Dune” universe without needing prior knowledge of the novels or previous films.

A Mature Sci-Fi Experience

However, “Dune: Prophecy” is not just for the casual viewer; it is designed for an adult audience with a storyline that embraces more intimate and “grown-up” themes. Schapker revealed that it was exhilarating to create characters with rich humanity, including their complex personal lives and desires, while diligently avoiding gratuitous content. “I loved that we were allowed to be grown up sci-fi,” she exclaimed, highlighting the show’s aim to present a mature exploration of character dynamics.

Don't Miss the Premiere!

Prepare for a thrilling journey into a universe filled with intrigue, politics, and the laid-back sophistication of epic sci-fi storytelling. Tune in to the premiere of “Dune: Prophecy” this Sunday on Max—this is one cosmic adventure you won't want to miss! Brace yourselves as the “Dune” universe unfolds in ways you've never imagined!