NOW ENTERTAINMENT Nov. 17 Month 00- -23, 00,2024 2023
Your Weekly TV Entertainment Brought To You By Olean Times Herald & The Bradford Era
Two powerful sisters (Emily Watson and Olivia Williams) form the Bene Gesserit in “Dune: Prophecy,” premiering Sunday, Nov. 17, on HBO and Max. Olivia Williams stars in “Dune: Prophecy”
Cover Story Sisterhood rising: Magical group of women emerges in ‘Dune: Prophecy’ By Dana Simpson Following in the family business is a common life path for many, including Brian Herbert, son of “Dune” creator Frank Herbert. The Dune series, which has once again risen to popularity thanks to Canadian director Denis Villeneuve’s two-part film adaptation (released in 2021 and 2024, respectively), was written by the elder Herbert and released serially by Chilton Books between 1963 and 1965 before the novel was released later in 1965. Although not well received by audiences at the time, “Dune” has become a science fiction classic, with the Villeneuve-directed franchise grossing more than $1 billion from box office sales worldwide. This fall, however, HBO is adding to the saga by way of a modern take on “Dune’s” initial serialized format. “Dune: Prophecy,” a
new television series based on the younger Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel “Sisterhood of Dune,” premieres Sunday, Nov. 17, on HBO and the Max streaming service. Divided into six episodes to be released on Sundays, the series follows the rise of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood and the impact their magic has on the changing world around them. While the original Dune series is set in the distant future and follows Paul (later dubbed “Muad’Dib”) Atreides (played in Villeneuve’s films by Timothée Chalamet, “Wonka,” 2023) as a spice war breaks out on the desert planet of Arrakis, the new “Prophecy” spinoff is set 10,000 years before Paul’s ascension — which is still very much in the distant future. According to the official HBO news release, “’Dune: Prophecy’ follows two Harkonnen sisters as they
combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. This is the origin story of the Sisterhood during one of the most turbulent and pivotal turning points in the Dune universe’s history.” The “Harkonnen sisters” mentioned are none other than powerful sorceresses Valya and Tula Harkonnen, played by Emily Watson (“Chernobyl”) and Olivia Williams (“The Sixth Sense,” 1999), respectively. And although both women have a profound impact on the creation of the magical order and the rise of House Harkonnen, it is Valya helming the ship and influencing intricate interplanetary politics. As such, the HBO trailer paints Valya in a rather cold and calculating light. “The Sisterhood draws women from many worlds to advance our species and
govern the future,” Valya begins in the trailer, setting the scene for what viewers can expect. “The Imperium is fragile. The Great Houses fight for control.” “Now,” Valya asserts,”is the time to secure the throne and protect the Imperium.” But, the sisters have secrets of their own, and one man is leading the charge to eliminate all members of the Bene Gesserit before the sisters have the chance to exercise their power over the Imperium. “Vikings” star Travis Fimmel stars as soldier Desmond Hart, who ingratiates himself to Arrakis’ Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong, “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” 2014) at the expense of the Sisterhood. Fearing an uprising is already on the horizon, the emperor heeds Hart’s warnings, sparking a war between the sexes, between religions and between worlds.
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