Dune: Prophecyshowrunner Alison Schapker has explained why the upcoming prequel TV show had its title changed before its forthcoming release. TheupcomingDune: Prophecyis set 10,000 years before Paul Atreideis' rise to power on Arrakis, following Harkonnen sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams) as they become the founders of the Bene Gesserit. The show is based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s pequel novelSisterhood of Dune, and was origianlly titledDune: The Sisterhooduntil the name was changed in November 2023.
Speaking withCollider, Schapker explained howDune: Prophecybecame the final name of the series because, while the Bene Gesserit are going to be important, the series has a much wider scopeit’s exploring as well. The showrunner explained how Valya and Tula’s storyline will also impact other elements of the known universe, like “the Great Houses and the Imperium,” as well as the prophecy that leads to Paul becoming the Lisan al-Gaib. Check out what Schapker had to say below:
Look, the Sisterhood is very much our point of origin, and I think that there was a time when that title was very grounding and orienting to the show. We are still explaining it as, “This is the story of the origin of the Bene Gesserit,” but I do feel like it is also set in a fully-realized world where it involves the Great Houses and the Imperium and the emperor. Eventually, over time, there are the other schools — there are the Mentats, there’s the Spacing Guild. There’s so much to the world that I don’t think we wanted to artificially narrow it in the title, ultimately. And in some ways, Dune: Prophecy is both very representative of the Sisterhood because they’re gonna obviously put in play a prophecy that’s gonna bring about Paul Atreides, and it’s very much who they are, but I think also it allows anyone in the Imperium to relate to it — what we believe in, what we don’t, what stories we’re gonna tell, who we’re gonna elevate with those stories. I think Dune: Prophecy is thematically also very true to the show.
What Schapker’s Statement Says About Dune: Prophecy Being The Show’s Final Title
It’s A More Fitting Name Given The Scope Of The Show
Thecast ofDune: Prophecywill have a major role to play in the development of the whole franchise, since the Bene Gesserit control what happens across the known universe from the shadows.This includes planting seeds of the Lisan al-Gaib on Arrakis, which led to Paul using his powers as the Kwisatz Haderach to later become Emperor of mankind. Because of this development thousands of years later, it makes sense for the show’s name to reflect both its own events, and the events it’s destined to set up.
Dune: Prophecy Stars Emily Watson & Olivia Williams Tease Harkonnen Secrets And Generational Blood Feuds
Dune: Prophecy stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, who play Valya and Tula Harkonnen, discuss their powerful family and forming a sibling dynamic.
Whilecalling the seriesDune: Sisterhoodwould have been a fitting nod to the novel, the wider scale of its title indicates a larger focus that goes beyond the Harkonnens. This may even set the stage for theupcomingDune: Part Three, emphasizing the importance of what the Bene Gesserit do and how it sets up the movies. For now, though, there is still plenty of mystery as to how the group’s formation will directly impact the galaxy at the very beginning of their formation, something the series will no doubt be exploring in episodes to come.
Our Take On Why Dune: Prophecy Is The Prequel Series' Title
It’s The Perfect Way To Emphasize The Larger Story At Work
AlthoughDune: Sisterhoodwould better align the show with the novel it’s based on,Dune: Prophecyhelps highlight the importance of the show for the entire franchise. Since the Bene Gesserit play a constantly important role in the franchise, it’s equally important for the show to emphasize this point through its title. With plenty of details yet to be explored, it seems the storyline that unfolds will also underscore why the title wanted to emphasize the larger story at work.
Dune: Prophecy
Cast
Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, Dune: Prophecy, a sci-fi epic, follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.
