We get to see how it all started, showrunner Alison Schapker tells Entertainment Weekly.
But in this new show, set 10,000 years beforeDuneproper, the Bene Gesserit is still coming into existence.
Instead, theyre reeling from a recent galactic war whose outcome has branded them as cowards and traitors.
Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) and Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) in ‘Dune: Prophecy.'.Attila Szvacsek/HBO
She dreams of restoring what she feels is rightfully theirs.
Its not a girlhood coming-of-age narrative so much as a woman’s rise to power from a Harkonnen perspective.
So instead of a young boy trying to become a man,Dune: Prophecycenters around two middle-aged women.
Characters in ‘Dune: Prophecy.'.Attila Szvacsek/HBO
Both Williams and Watson really enjoyed getting to delve into the shows complex sci-fi storytelling.
I’ve never really done anything like this before, Watson says.
Most of the work I’ve done so far in my career has been very much based in reality.
Characters in ‘Dune: Prophecy.'.Attila Szvacsek/HBO
Getting my head around all the Dune lore and language was a new thing for me.
But within that, I found really rich acting territory.
Its quite complex, and its a really fun world to play in.
Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) in ‘Dune: Prophecy.'.Attila Szvacsek/HBO
Our careers have run in absolute parallel, Williams says.
I was like, ‘No no no.
Our planet is damp and wet,’ Williams says with a laugh.
I basically developed webbed feet by the end of filming this show.
But the sets were breathtaking.
When you walked onto that set, it took your breath away.
I really believe that we found the best of both worlds when it comes to adaptation, Schapker says.
Sisterhood of Dunewas our seminal text that we were working with and drawing inspiration from.
A hallmark ofDuneis that time is not just linear, Schapker says.
Some of them are actively communicating with their female ancestors at any given time.
In other words, this isn’t your typical prequel.
Past, present, and future will all intersect and collide whenDune: Prophecypremieres this November on HBO.
