After being adapted for cinema in two films directed by Quebec filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, the universe of Dune, the legendary science fiction saga created by author Frank Herbert, arrives on the small screen in a new event series produced by the American channel HBO. Here are five things to know about Dune: Prophecy.
10,000 years ago
No need to look for Paul Atreides, Chani and other famous movie characters Dune in the six episodes of the first season of the series. The plot of Dune: Prophecy takes place 10,000 years before that of Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic saga.
Drawing inspiration from the novel The Community of Sisters, Written by Brian Herbert (the son of Frank Herbert) the series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit order, a powerful matriarchal community which manipulates the great ruling families in the shadows.
Villeneuve’s influence
Contrary to what was said when the project was announced, in 2019, Denis Villeneuve did not participate in the creation of the series. On the other hand, the work he did in the two films served as the basis for the universe of Dune: Prophecy.
“Denis set the tone and we felt we had to keep the essence of what he had done [avec les films]producer Jordan Goldberg recently pointed out to the magazine Empire.
“In addition to political intrigue, there is plenty of espionage, action and adventure [dans la série]. There is also a love story. And what’s really exciting for me is that we also get to explore a lot of horror elements.”
The directors’ waltz
It is the American screenwriter and producer Alison Schapker (Alias, Lost) who had the mandate to supervise the transition to the small screen of the universe of Dune. The director of the series ChernobylJohan Renck, was briefly associated with the project. But ultimately it was Anna Foerster, John Cameron and Richard J. Lewis who shared the production of the six episodes.
A Quebecer in adventure
A Quebecois name still appears in the credits of the series, that of the director of photography Pierre Gill. According to the IMDb site, Gill provided photo direction for three of the six episodes of the first season. Renowned cinematographer in Quebec, Pierre Gill has worked on dozens of films, including Polytechnic, Maurice Richard et You will remember me.
A 5-star distribution
Like any major HBO production, Dune: Prophecy brings together an all-star cast. British actress Emily Watson (Gosford Park, Breaking the Waves) was chosen to play one of the main roles in the saga, Valya Harkonnen, the mother superior of the Bene Gesserit. She is surrounded in particular by the Australian actor Travis Fimmel (the series Vikings) and the British Mark Strong (Kingsman) and Olivia Williams (The Sixth Sense).
- The series Dune: Prophecy will be available on the Crave platform starting November 17.
