Exploring the Bene Gesserit’s Secret History in Dune: Prophecy

Exploring the Bene Gesserit’s Secret History in Dune: Prophecy

“We get to see how it all started,” says showrunner Alison Schapker about HBO’s new prequel series, Dune: Prophecy.

While the central narrative of Frank Herbert’s original Dune novel—and the two Denis Villeneuve film adaptations—focuses on Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his destiny, the Dune universe is much broader. Dune: Prophecy delves into this expansive world, particularly the enigmatic Bene Gesserit, a matriarchal order that will ultimately play a crucial role in Paul’s rise to power.

Set 10,000 years before the events of Dune, the series follows the emergence of the Bene Gesserit, driven by two sisters: Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) and Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams). Despite their family being notorious as the main antagonists in the original Dune, this early timeline reveals the Harkonnens struggling to regain their former glory after a devastating galactic war has tarnished their reputation.

“We get to see how it all started,” Schapker explains in her first interview about the series. “Valya begins as a girl from a fallen family, yearning to restore her noble status. Her transformation from someone fixated on rebuilding her house to a devoted member of the Sisterhood is a key aspect of the story. This isn’t a traditional coming-of-age tale; it’s about a woman’s ascent to power from a Harkonnen perspective.”

Unlike the typical male hero’s journey, Dune: Prophecy centers around two middle-aged women, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre. Both Williams and Watson are excited to explore the complex narrative.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Watson shares. “Most of my work has been rooted in reality. Getting familiar with the Dune lore was a challenge, but I found it rich with acting potential—it’s a complex and fun world to inhabit.”

Interestingly, this project marks the first time Williams and Watson have appeared together on screen, despite their parallel careers. “Our paths have crossed numerous times,” Williams recalls. “From the Royal Shakespeare Company to various industry events, we’ve always been in each other’s orbit. This opportunity felt like fate.”

Thankfully, they didn’t have to endure the sweltering heat of Arrakis, as the show focuses on locations beyond the desert. “Everyone kept asking if we were filming in hot countries, but our set was damp and wet,” Williams laughs. “The sets were stunning, especially the central hall of the Bene Gesserit convent, located in an abandoned modern church in Hungarian woodlands. Walking onto that set was breathtaking.”

While Frank Herbert wrote five Dune sequels, his son Brian Herbert and collaborator Kevin J. Anderson have expanded the lore through numerous prequel novels, including Sisterhood of Dune, which serves as the foundation for Dune: Prophecy. Schapker explains their approach to adaptation: “We combined elements from Sisterhood of Dune with a story that unfolds 30 years later, allowing us to develop our characters across multiple timelines.”

The narrative of Dune: Prophecy spans different eras, with characters aware of their past and future. The Bene Gesserit members elevated to “Reverend Mother” possess the ability to access the memories of their predecessors. “In Dune, time isn’t just linear,” Schapker notes. “Some characters communicate with their female ancestors, revealing hidden histories that influence the present and shape the future. We aimed to create a series where history feels alive, allowing us to explore the past.”

The story includes familiar elements, such as an Emperor (Mark Strong) and an Atreides swordmaster (Chris Mason), alongside new characters like the enigmatic Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel).

In essence, Dune: Prophecy is not your typical prequel. It intertwines past, present, and future when it premieres this November on HBO.

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