HBO’s prequel series “Dune: Prophecy” introduces a new generation of families from the Atreides and Harkonnen lineages, taking place 10,000 years before Denis Villeneuve’s two “Dune” films.
As the series is set in such a distant past, there are no appearances from Timothee Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, or Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan; instead, their ancient ancestors are the focus. The narrative delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a formidable group of witches who manipulate political affairs from behind the scenes (notable characters from the films include Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica and Lea Seydoux’s Lady Margot). The long-standing rivalry between the Atreides and Harkonnen families is also a significant aspect of “Dune: Prophecy,” alongside the historical conflict between humans and sentient machines.
Emily Watson and Olivia Williams portray Valya and Tula Harkonnen, two sisters who hold significant positions in the Bene Gesserit. Their scheme involves gaining dominion over the universe, influencing Mark Strong’s Emperor Javicco Corrino (the ancestor of Christopher Walken’s Emperor Shaddam IV), and restoring House Harkonnen’s former prestige. To achieve this, they aim to expand the Bene Gesserit’s influence across the cosmos and indoctrinate the Emperor’s daughter, Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina). Fans of “Dune” will recognize other members from House Harkonnen and Corrino, including an Atreides royal who is an ancestor of Chalamet’s Paul Atreides.
In contrast to the films, “Dune: Prophecy” is not set on the desert planet of Arrakis and its iconic sandworms, although some characters have ties to this arid landscape.
See the complete cast below.
Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen
Valya serves as the Mother Superior and leads the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. Together with her sister Tula, she aims to restore the honor of the disgraced House Harkonnen. She possesses the ability to use the Voice, compelling others to follow her commands. As the leader of the Bene Gesserit, Valya oversees the training of these powerful witches, strategically positioning them within royal families to manipulate political outcomes.
Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen
Tula is Valya’s sister and instructs members of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood in manipulation, truth-telling, and combat skills.
Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino
Emperor Javicco, like Christopher Walken’s Emperor Shaddam IV in “Dune: Part 2,” governs the Imperium, the vast galactic empire. He hails from a lineage of wartime rulers and faces a precarious peace in the universe.
Jodhi May as Empress Natalya
Through her marriage to Emperor Javicco, Natalya has united numerous worlds, ushering in a period of peace. Their daughter, Princess Ynez, is poised to join the Bene Gesserit and become a significant figure in the royal family.
Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez
Ynez is the only daughter of the Emperor and Empress, similar to her descendant, Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan in “Dune: Part 2.” She is slated to become a new member of the Bene Gesserit but finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship with her combat instructor, Keiran Atreides.
Josh Heuston as Constantine Corrino
Constantine is the illegitimate son of Emperor Javicco, caught between seeking his father’s approval and pursuing his own ambitions. (A charming rogue royal on an HBO series? Reminiscent of Jon Snow from “Game of Thrones.”)
Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides
The sole Atreides featured in the show, Keiran is an ancestor of Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, showcasing the family’s strong lineage. He is not only a member of House Atreides but also serves as the swordmaster for the Emperor’s family, training Princess Ynez while secretly harboring feelings for her.
Mark Addy as Evgeny Harkonnen
Evgeny, Valya and Tula’s uncle, was once a powerful figure in the exiled House Harkonnen. With his house now fallen from grace, he appears somewhat disheveled, hinting at the eventual fate of the Harkonnens in the “Dune” films, where they become bald and pallid.
Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen
Harrow is another member of the Harkonnen family who advises Evgeny. Together with Valya, he plots to restore their house to its former glory.
Jihae as Reverend Mother Kasha
Kasha is a veteran member of the Bene Gesserit who serves the Emperor directly, representing one of the Bene Gesserit’s key ties to the ruling family.
Tabu as Sister Francesca
Francesca is part of the Bene Gesserit and is the former lover of the Emperor. Her return to the royal palace creates tension, given the Emperor’s marriage to Natalya.
Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia
Theodosia is a trainee at the Bene Gesserit who possesses a dark and potent secret.
Chloe Lea as Sister Lila
Lila is the youngest member of the Bene Gesserit, with a deep and mysterious connection to its history.
Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline
Emeline is an enthusiastic trainee of the Bene Gesserit, coming from a long lineage of martyrs.
Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen
Jen is an unpredictable member of the Bene Gesserit, who seldom reveals her true emotions.
Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart
Desmond is a soldier who survived a mysterious assault on Arrakis. Upon his return, he seeks an audience with the Emperor to share vital information and forge an essential alliance.
Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela
Mikaela is a blue-eyed Fremen serving the Emperor’s family, yearning for the home planet of Arrakis that she has never truly experienced.
Person
Timothee Chalamet, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Mark Strong, Jodhi May, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chris Mason, Mark Addy, Edward Davis, Jihae, Tabu, Jade Anouka, Chloe Lea, Aoife Hinds, Faoileann Cunningham, Travis Fimmel, Shalom Brune-Franklin
Company Names
HBO
Titles
Dune: Prophecy, Dune, Dune: Part 2
Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.