Dune: Prophecy - (MAX)
By: Rachel Brodeur
Following the juggernaut of the Dune franchise, the anticipated Max series Dune: Prophecy lives up to the hype. The series, slated for six episodes in the first season, tells a story set 10,000 years before the time of Paul Atreides of the film Dune: Part One (2021), and focuses on the rise of the Sisterhood led by the two Harkonnen sisters. While not originally part of the Frank Herbert Dune cannon, this story is based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune (2012) published after his death by authors Kevin J. Anderson, and Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert.
Show creators Diane Ademu-John (The Haunting of Bly Manor, Empire) and Alison Schapker (Lost, Fringe), handle the revealing of the Dune universe and character building of an ensemble cast well by focusing on the relatable stories of the human condition one at a time. Audiences connect to Valya Harkonnen, played by Emily Watson (Punch-Drunk Love) and her strong sense of purpose at times of transition and political instability, or Princess Ynez, played by Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (The Colony) preparing for a wedding and facing her future, while revealing the details of the world in a natural and accessible way.
Novices to the Dune franchise could conceivably start their journey with Prophecy. While a knowledge of the Dune movies would help understand the complexities of the mystical substance ‘spice’ or the reluctance of this futuristic society to rely on what they call ‘thinking machines’, Dune: Prophecy effectively conveys these concepts and gives enough background for someone to not need a back study in Dune mythology to grasp their purpose. However, those who are fans of Frank Herbert’s books and their film adaptations, will be happy to see that the world of the show moves beyond just the planet of Arrakis, and that the magic and mysticism of the world are well-represented. The one exception, however, is the pilot episode features a character with a power not previously-seen in the Dune universe. The nature of this and how it fits into the lore are yet to be determined.
With Dune: Part I grossing $433 million and Dune: Part Two nearing $700 million globally, Dune: Prophecy builds on the franchise's momentum. The series premiere, attracting 1.2 million viewers, matches the grandeur of its big-screen counterparts with its breathtaking visuals. The shots are visually stunning and manage to make bleak landscapes appear majestic. Nothing feels like a soundstage, and the fashion, a highlight of structure and softness against the harsh drab environment, captures the nuance of a world that is both sci-fi and medieval.
Naturally, audiences could not help drawing comparisons to HBO Max’s other epic fantasy prequel House of the Dragon (2022) that followed Game of Thrones (2011) fame. However, Dune: Prophecy seems to be succeeding in ways that House of the Dragon did not. Where that series seemed to bank on having a captive audience that would endure a slow build of seasons, the pace of Dune: Prophecy is quicker, with major action happening in each episode. While both series feature women as key players, in House of the Dragon, the leads were queens in a land of kings, and were constantly battling against their perceived inferiority. In Dune, the women are a part of the Sisterhood, their rule is natural. The role of women is regulated and defined, but they flex their power and influence within it, and they are formidable, intelligent and brave.
Rachel’s Rating: 9/10 Dune: Prophecy delivers on its promise as a worthy addition to the Dune franchise, offering an engaging story set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides. The visually stunning and character-driven series captures the essence of the Dune universe while carving its own identity, particularly in its portrayal of powerful, complex women at the heart of the story.