“Dune: Prophecy” TV Series

[Prairie_Dog]

I’ve been reading about “Dune: The Sisterhood” TV series from director Denis Villeneuve who will also direct the “Dune” reboot film(s).

“Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s epic ‘Dune’ novel series, “Dune: The Sisterhood” is told through the eyes of a mysterious order of women known as the Bene Gesserit. Given extraordinary abilities by their mastery of the body and the mind, the Bene Gesserit expertly weave through the feudal politics and intrigue of The Imperium, pursuing plans of their own that will ultimately lead them to the enigmatic planet Arrakis, known to its inhabitants as Dune.”

https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/dune-series-bene-gesserit-warnermedia-streaming-service-1203238799/

Normally, I would be very excited about this development, as I think this could be a great series. Sadly though, this will only be available through a WarnerMedia streaming service. Yet another streaming service that has no other desirable content (to me at least). Sounds like another CBS All Access...

Anybody else interested? I’m a big fan of the Duneiverse, and the Bene Gesserit seem like a good-mine for intrigue, plotting, and deception.

 

[Westy]

Anybody else interested? I’m a big fan of the Duneiverse, and the Bene Gesserit seem like a good-mine for intrigue, plotting, and deception.

Definitely interested in both, Dune's one of my favourite books. It will be interesting too see if he pulls it off.

 

[Werthead]

Based on the authorised fanfic by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, so hard pass.

 

[Vince W]

Ibid.

 

[Prairie_Dog]

Well, I have now read a critical opinion from author Judith Tarr on Twitter. She tells why she’ll be passing on a Bene Gesserit (BG) TV series with an all-male creative team.

“An all-male writing team will make the BG about men. When in fact, for the BG, men have little importance or relevance except insofar as the BG manipulate them for the purposes of the order. The Kwisatz Haderach is not about male supremacy. He's about smashing it to smithereens.”

Her Twitter handle is @dancinghorse in case anyone wants to read her thread on the topic.

 

[Prairie_Dog]

There is now some more news on the “Dune: The Sisterhood” TV series, now from HBOMAX. It seems they have restarted the project with Diane-Ademu John taking over as writer, showrunner, and executive producer. This should resolve some of the issues raised by Judith Tarr on Twitter I mentioned above.

‘Dune’ HBO Max Series Enlists Diane Ademu-John as New Showrunner (EXCLUSIVE)

The "Dune" television series prequel at HBO Max has found its new showrunner.

variety.com

 

[Stanley Steamboy]

I am distrustful of the idea that writers create "universes" that can naturally spin out related stories. Writers create stories that are embellished with a sense of time and place, but they don't manufacture worlds-in-depth for others' use, like open-source code. Most of this sort of thing is fan service and little more. It won't be anything like what Frank would have written. But it will seem 'cool'.

 

[mffanrodders]

I'll bite.

While not great, i did enjoy what i read of Herbert and Anderson's sequel books and i very much enjoy Villeneuve's visual style.

 

[Stephen Palmer]

Avoid like the plague.

 

[Prairie_Dog]

We are getting more reports that HBOMAX is producing “Dune: The Sisterhood.” Sounds like Denis Villeneuve will be Executive Producer and direct the first episode. Seems like it could premiere in 2022 at the earliest, or maybe 2023 as will the movie “Dune: Part 2.” The Duneiverse is expanding, “The Spice must flow!”

https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a36867262/dune-the-sisterhood-cast-release-date-trailer/

 

[Stanley Steamboy]

I have to wonder if all the (real Dune) books could make good movies for the simple reason that they are visually unique.

God Emperor is often said to be too cerebral, but imagine what a depiction of his ancient memory along with his body and the events would look like on screen.

Make 'em all! (Not Brian's)

 

[Prairie_Dog]

Another mention that “Dune: The Sisterhood” is still underway at Warner Media, along with some more Dune discussions:

https://winteriscoming.net/2022/03/22/dune-the-sisterhood-tv-show-moving-forward/?a_aid=46089

 

[Raf]

Another Streaming service...HBO Max now, it seems. Why can't we have 1 Streaming Service to Unite Them All? Could call it Sauron Broadcasting. That big ol' eye would be a cool service graphic.

 

[Prairie_Dog]

New director to lead the initial episodes of “Dune: The Sisterhood.” Director Johan Renck will be taking the helm for the fist two episodes. He’s known for his award-winning work on HBO’s Chernobyl series.

https://deadline.com/2022/04/dune-the-sisterhood-series-director-johan-renck-1235011184/

 

[Prairie_Dog]

“Dune: The Sisterhood” is now expected to begin filming this September in Ireland.

https://dunenewsnet.com/2022/05/dune-the-sisterhood-tv-series-production-ireland/

 

[Prairie_Dog]

In spite of the restructuring and cuts at HBOMAX as it merges with Discovery+, “Dune: The Sisterhood” appears to have been spared. Scripted dramas that are associated with tent-pole IP are apparently safe from cancellation. Dune is apparently considered tent-pole IP. The article also mentions that the series is currently casting.

HBO/HBO Max Layoffs Hit Max Reality, Acquisitions, Casting & Int’l; Scripted Operation Gets Restructured

The dreaded post-merger Warner Bros. Discovery layoffs have reached the programming operation overseen by Casey Bloys.

deadline.com

 

[Prairie_Dog]

The first casting announcements are out for “Dune: The Sisterhood” and we now are told that English actress Emily Watson will play Valya Harkonnen, and Scottish actress Shirley Henderson will play Tula Harkonnnen. According to the character descriptions that have been released, they are two sisters who have risen through the ranks of the Sisterhood, which is the organization which will later become known as the Bene Gesserit.

It’s is also confirmed that the source material is the prequel novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J Anderson. I’m less excited about that, but it will be an adaptation after all.

Leading Roles and Plot Details for 'Dune: The Sisterhood' Revealed

It's true. Timothy Chalamet has a way about him. He can be intense and dramatic, cunning and charming--not to mention, easy on the eyes. His portrayal of Pau...

onedio.co

 

[Vince W]

It’s is also confirmed that the source material is the prequel novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J Anderson. I’m less excited about that, but it will be an adaptation after all.

That's me out.

 

[Prairie_Dog]

Another casting announcement for “Dune: The Sisterhood” this time we are informed that Indira Varma is the third actress to join the cast.

“Varma will play Empress Natalya, described to us “a formidable royal who united thousands of worlds in her marriage to Emperor Corrino”. She joins the previously announced Emily Watson and Shirley Henderson.”

‘Dune: The Sisterhood’: ‘Game Of Thrones’ & ‘Obi-Wan’ Star Indira Varma Joins HBO Max & Legendary Prequel Series As Empress Natalya

Set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, the series will chart how the Harkonnen Sisters establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.

deadline.com

 

[Vince W]

A fine actress. She's usually very good. Still won't save it from the source material.