The next adaptation set in Frank Herbert’s massive Dune universe will debut on Max this Nov. 17, according to a press release. Titled “Dune: Prophecy”, the six episode drama follows the mysterious Bene Gesserit in a tale set 10,000 years before the rise of Mua’dhib.
Inspired by “Sisterhood of Dune” by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the show is the latest Warner Bros. Dune project following the smash success of Dennis Villeneuve’s duology.
Mark Strong plays Emperor Javicco Corrino in the six-episode drama. Photo Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO
According to HBO, the show features the acting talents of Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Mark Strong, Jodhi May, Jihae, and Tabu among many others. Alison Schapker, known for her work on “Lost”, “Fringe”, and “Almost Human”, is the series’ showrunner.
Fans can be expected to breathe a sigh of relief thanks to the involvement of the Herbert estate and Anderson on the project. Among the longlist of people behind the camera, Brian Herbert is one of the series’ executive producers with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert named executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. Anderson was also named as one of the show’s co-producers.
Olivia Watson as V Harkonnen. Photo Credit: HBO
“Dune” has fascinated readers and lovers of sci-fi since its publication in 1965. Subsequent sequels and prequels expanding on Herbert senior’s extraordinary creation continue to be critically-acclaimed. Despite its first adaptations failing to live up to fan expectations, Villeneuve’s big screen efforts would capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.
While “Dune: Prophecy” definitely has a lot to live up to, a well-received trailer and top-notch team suggest HBO is up to the task. If the same attention to detail that helped the movies standout is brought to bear, =fans should be eating well come Nov.17.
Ismael David Mujahid, Executive Editor