Let’s be upfront: another Dune adaptation might seem excessive. But HBO’s Dune: Prophecy isn’t just another desert-swept epic; it’s a prequel set 10,000 years before the Atreides saga. This means no sandworms, no spice, and certainly no Timothée Chalamet brooding intensely. Instead, “The Hidden Hand,” the premiere airing Sunday, November 17, at 9/8c, looks to unearth the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the enigmatic sisterhood that pulls the strings of power throughout the Dune universe.
The series tracks two Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, as they, let’s say, deal with the complicated political landscape of this ancient era. Emily Watson plays Valya Harkonnen, and if you’ve seen her in anything, you know the woman can convey steely resolve with the raise of an eyebrow. Mark Strong, Travis Fimmel, and Olivia Williams also populate this world, adding a mix of gravitas and the occasional scenery-chewing required by a sprawling space opera.
“The Hidden Hand” shows young Valya making a vow—one that involves the usual Dune themes of destiny and galactic dominance. Thirty years later, on the prison planet Salusa Secundus, we see Valya’s plan in action: placing a Bene Gesserit initiate on the Imperial throne. This seems likely to involve political maneuvering, cloak-and-dagger machinations, and probably some whispered prophecies.
Dune: Prophecy is based on Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel Sisterhood of Dune, which, for those keeping score at home, is part of the extended Dune literary universe. While the source material’s quality is often debated amongst the Dune faithful, this adaptation looks to focus on core ideas that work well onscreen: power struggles, intricate conspiracies, and the rise of influential organizations. So, even if you’re not fluent in all things Arrakis, “The Hidden Hand” offers a new entry point. For hardcore fans, it’s a chance to geek out over some seriously deep lore.
Tune in to HBO this Sunday, November 17, at 9/8c, to see if Dune: Prophecy can carve its own niche in the vast sands of the Dune universe.
