Dune Prophecy review: A compelling start burdened by franchise expectations

Dune: Prophecy, a prequel series to the 2021 film Dune, explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit and key players, set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides' saga. The first episode is now streaming.

In Short

• The series follows the Harkonnen sisters navigating power and prophecy
• It is an extension of Dune films, set 10,00 years before Paul Atreides' ascension
• Read the review of the first episode here

The first episode of Dune: Prophecy, a prequel to Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 film Dune, is now out and streaming. The first of the series in the universe, it is an introduction to the key players before the events around Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) 10,000 years later. The series, created by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, dives into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful and enigmatic sect central to Frank Herbert’s universe.

Like other HBO extensions (Game of Thrones, Harry Potter [in the making]), this series is both a visual and narrative expansion of the Dune franchise. If the first episode is anything to go by, the layered storytelling, political intrigue and cut-throat ambition keeps you engaged. However, the series oversimplifies the narrative and purpose, which may be a writing weakness for a franchise that thrives on sci-fi.

Dune: Prophecy follows the Harkonnen sisters, Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams), as they navigate the dangerous intersections of power and prophecy. Valya’s rise to the position of Mother Superior is laced with ruthlessness and ambition. She plans to strengthen the Bene Gesserit’s influence by marrying Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) into an allied house, ensuring the Sisterhood’s future control over the Imperium.

Watch the trailer here:

Complicating these plans is Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), a mysterious soldier with deadly powers and a vendetta against the Sisterhood. His actions, including the brutal murder of key players, bring chaos to Valya’s meticulous schemes, setting the stage for a gripping conflict.

The series, just like the film, is centred around the themes of power, ambition, and the manipulation of religion. The Bene Gesserit’s internal factions—one devout and the other power-hungry—mirror the broader political unrest in the Imperium. These dynamics form the backbone of the show, with the Corrino family’s struggles adding layers of complexity.

While Prophecy pays homage to Villeneuve’s films through its visual aesthetic, including Volker Bertelmann's haunting score and the architectural grandeur of Bene Gesserit headquarters, it also forges its own identity. However, some of the mystery and vastness of Villeneuve’s cinematic vision are diminished in the transition to television, with the world feeling smaller and more confined.

Emily Watson shines as Valya, bringing gravitas and intensity to her role as the Bene Gesserit leader. The show’s success hinges on how well it balances the sprawling political narrative with intimate character arcs. The first episode establishes a solid foundation, but the interplay between the Corrino family drama and the Sisterhood’s manoeuvres will be key to its trajectory.

Dune: Prophecy is a fascinating addition to the Dune universe, offering rich lore and complex storytelling for long-time fans while attempting to welcome new viewers. While it occasionally struggles under the weight of its own ambition, the series captures the spirit of the universe through its themes, performances, and visual splendour.

Dune: Prophecy will have six episodes, each episode streaming every Monday on JioCinema in India.

This review is based on the first episode only.

3.5 out of 5 stars.