Washington [US], December 20: HBO has officially confirmed the renewal of its highly anticipated prequel series, Dune: Prophecy, for a second season, just days before the season 1 finale airs. The announcement was made during a virtual press conference with showrunner and executive producer Alison Schapker, along with stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, according to Deadline. The streaming platform Max also shared the exciting news with fans on social media.
The renewal comes ahead of the highly awaited season 1 finale, set to air this Sunday, offering Dune franchise fans even more to look forward to as the series expands its universe.
Dune: Prophecy serves as a prequel to the Dune films directed by Denis Villeneuve, focusing on the early history of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful order of women within the Dune saga. Set 10,000 years before the events of the films, the show delves into the formation of the Bene Gesserit, who have secretly manipulated the great houses of the Empire on the desert planet of Dune. At the heart of the series are two morally complex sisters, portrayed by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, central to this covert organization.
The Dune films feature Lady Jessica Atreides, played by Rebecca Ferguson, a significant member of the Bene Gesserit, whose teachings are passed down to her son, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). Dune: Prophecy explores the deeper origins of the Bene Gesserit, their power, and far-reaching influence within the Dune universe.
Season 2 promises to continue the saga, with the ongoing rivalry between the two sisters and their competitor, Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who will play a major role in upcoming storylines. Hart, whose formidable powers make him a significant adversary, will be central to key revelations about the dynamics of the show’s core characters.
“The survival of the sisterhood will be a key theme in season 2,” Schapker teased during the virtual press conference, offering a glimpse into further developments within the complex world of Dune: Prophecy, according to Deadline.
Co-produced by Legendary Television, Dune: Prophecy is based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as an executive producer, alongside Anna Foerster, who directed multiple episodes, including the premiere. Other executive producers include Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts. The series has the backing of Brian Herbert and the Frank Herbert estate, with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert also serving as executive producers, and Anderson as a co-producer.