News culture The sci-fi universe of Dune is like no other: the Prophecy series explains why AI is banned
Published on 11/27/2024 at 5:45 p.m.
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After the success of the films directed by Denis Villeneuve, the Dune universe expands with Prophecy. The series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit and the aftermath of the Machine War.
A science fiction universe without technology
After two successes in the cinema thanks to the production of Denis Villeneuvethe Dune saga has finally settled into place. It must be said that its previous adaptation attempts had left a bitter taste with fans of the universe. This time, nothing seems to be able to dislodge this science fiction license, which should welcome a third film to conclude a trilogy. In the meantime, a spin-off in the form of a series, Dune: Prophecy, is planned. This show takes place 100 years before the adventures of Paul Atreides and follows the sorority of Well donean extremely influential group in galactic geopolitics, whose role shapes Arrakis. The series also takes place in a context following a key event in the universe of Frank Herbert : The War of the Machines. As a result, any advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, is seen as the enemy.
AI vs Humanity
In the Dune universe, where spaceships abound and mining technologies are advanced, one might believe that machines are an integral part of this ecosystem. However, it is quite the opposite. In Dune: Prophecy, the world is barely recovering from the devastation of the War of the Machines. As a reminder, this revolt, also called Jihad Butlerienwas a massive uprising against AI and the thinking machines that had enslaved humanity. After a century of conflict, AIs were destroyed, and machines with human minds were forbidden to be created. Humans then preferred to develop ways of defending themselves that date from before the era of computers, in what we could call an “old future”.
This is how, in Dune: Prophecya simple sight of a small robotic lizard is enough to terrify the characters. As the team behind the series explains, artificial intelligence is seen as something that “disrupts the harmony and what they worked so hard to create.” In return, the show takes the time to focus on humanity and the inhabitants of each kingdom, well beyond Arrakis. “It’s about power, politics, but above all about facing your fears,” summarize the creators. If you also want to follow this universe, Dune Prophecy is available on HBO Max or on Amazon Prime Video with a premium subscription. The show has been broadcast since November 18 with a rate of one episode per week.
