Dune: Prophecy Teaser Trailer Reaction

‘Dune: Prophecy’, a spin-off TV series to Denis Villeneuve’s wildly successful adaptation of ‘Dune’ is a series that will focus on the origins of the mystical Bene Gesserit 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides. It’s styled as a political thriller type of show, looking at the machinations of the shadowy group as they manipulate the Great Houses into doing their bidding. 

One worry the trailer does its best to soothe is that the high budget nature of ‘Dune’ can be replicated on the TV screen, first by opening up on a ship landing but then into familiar fights and explosions. But worries still remain, especially as the Harkonnen’s look just like normal humans, and without the pale look the movies crafted. 

A person revealed to be Valya Harkonnen narrates the trailer, seemingly the leader of the group at the time. She sets the stage for what the audience will witness. She hints that the power that the Bene Gesserit amass comes at a price, and one that the show will explore. The group debate putting a sister on the throne, and this politcal marriage will likely drive much of the plot. However, not all the Sisters are fond of this plan, accusing Valya and others of playing God. Perhaps there will be a split in the group because of this. 

It won’t just be political court drama or covert backstabbings, as the trailer does hint at more conventional action, perhaps at the manipulation of the ones that will be the Bene Gesserit. It’s unclear what the driving force of the plot will be, as this trailer focuses on setting the tone for the show. 

The show was originally planned to be called ‘Dune: Sisterhood’, though its title was changed. This is cler in the trailer’s dialogue, which touts Sisterhood above all, and the last line references Sisterhood. With the title change, it’s likely to now tie into theprophecy of the legendary male leader known as the Kwisatz Haderach, who the Bene Gesserit claim will be able to access the genetic memories of the witches and use his powers to rule the world thanks to near omnipotence. This is of course Paul Atreides. 

If the series does tie into this, it will give audiences more to connect with, at the risk of underminding the series and removing what might make it special. Though it might have been a simple name change and nothing more. 

Audiences will find out this fall when ‘Dune: Prophecy’ releases on Max.