We have the opportunity to delve even deeper into Frank Herbert's fascinating saga surrounding the desert planet Arrakis.
With the first two parts of his “Dune” trilogy, director Denis Villeneuve (57) has already achieved something hardly imaginable: a worthy film adaptation of the complex novels by Frank Herbert (1920-1986), but with crucial nuances that are necessary from today's perspective differs from the template. If you can't get enough of the desert planet after the six-time Oscar-winning “Dune” from 2021 and its even more commercially successful sequel from 2024, you should check this out November 18th write in bold on the sandworm. Then start with “Dune: Prophecy” on Sky and Wow the first series about the fight for Arrakis and its powerful miracle drug Spice, which also deals with the greatest mystery in the “Dune” cosmos: the seemingly omniscient members of the Bene Gesserit.
The intrigue begins – that's what “Dune: Prophecy” is all about
The plot of “Dune: Prophecy” continues a good 10,000 years before birth of a certain Paul Atreidescalled Lisan al-Gaib, who turns out to be the supposed savior of Arrakis. Humanity has just won the bloody war against the “thinking machines”, albeit at a high price: billions of people died in the battles against the rebellious artificial intelligence, whose extinction pushed the technological reset button.
In the midst of these changing times, the Sisterhood of Rossak emerged, an order that would later become known as the Bene Gesserit. The focus here is on the two Harkonnen sisters, Valya (Emily Watson, 57) and Tula (Olivia Williams, 56), who, together with their nuns, seem to secretly control the fate of the entire universe. But ultimate control sometimes comes at a high price.
Does the end justify all means?
As is well known, with great power comes great responsibility. But does the end really justify the means, no matter how immoral they may seem? And where does the pursuit of the common good end and begin to give way to selfish motives? The series “Dune: Prophecy” explores exactly these questions – like Denis Villeneuve's films.
In his complex game of intrigue The “Dune” series doesn’t have to hide from the gold standard in this regard, the award-winning fantasy spectacle “Game of Thrones”. Instead of Littlefinger or the red priestess, the later Bene Gesserit whisper in the ears of the world rulers in order to guide the future path of humanity generations in advance.
It is precisely this influence, described by its critics as brazen manipulation and abuse of power, that will make Paul Atreides' fanatical veneration of the Savior possible 10,000 years later. However, since the first season only consists of six episodes, the series doesn't get bogged down in long-winded plot threads, but rather remains entertaining and exciting. After shocking cliffhanger the first episode For example, most viewers will probably be craving episode 2 straight away.
Does the series reveal too much?
The concern that “Dune: Prophecy” will demystify the Bene Gesserit could lead to, is fortunately unfounded. Rather, the series contributes to this Legend formation and explains some aspects of their work that were only dealt with superficially in the more limited-time films. The series, which is based on the book “The Throne of the Desert Planet” by Frank Herbert's son Brian (77), is an excellent companion series to Villeneuve's “Dune” vision. Due to the immense time lag from the plot of the films, it can also be viewed independently without any problems.
However, if you travel to the desert planet Arrakis for the first time, you have to be prepared for a few question marks at the beginning of “Dune: Prophecy”. The complex construct of the Herbert family of authors simply cannot be summarized in a short exposition. Even if the series really tries.
It's the mixture that counts
“Dune: Prophecy” brings together a talented ensemble cast of deserving stars and promising newcomers. In addition to “The Sixth Sense” star Olivia Williams and Emily Watson, who already shone in the outstanding HBO series “Chernobyl”, these include character mime Mark Strong (61) as the apparently all-powerful Emperor Javicco Corrino or “Vikings” mime Travis Fimmel (45) as shady Arrakis veteran Desmond Hart. The Danish actress Sarah-Sofie Boussnina (33), who is still relatively unknown in this country, is now taking on the role of Princess Ynez, who is to be introduced to the mysterious arts of the order of sisters.
Conclusion:
“Dune: Prophecy” skillfully captures the unusual marriage of fairytale magic and sci-fi setting that desert planet novels have always represented. Anyone who is interested in one small initial hurdle dares, in which new “Dune” viewers might feel overwhelmed by information and sensory impressions, is presented with a exciting and strong story rewarded. A story that is almost as addictive as the legendary Spice.
Anyone who wants to see for themselves will have the opportunity from November 18th. Either on Sky Atlantic, where a new episode of “Dune: Prophecy” is released weekly at 8:15 p.m., or on demand via Sky.