On the same day that a new trailer for the highly anticipated adaptation of Dune dropped
came news regarding the Dune series that HBO Max had ordered for its new streaming service.
News has been scarce regarding this project after its initial announcement in June of
2019 so it's good to hear an update regarding this upcoming show that confirms that HBO
Max does intend to continue production.
A new showrunner for the series set to focus on the Bene Gesserit has signed on for the
project and in this video I’d like to discuss what we know so far about the show.
Jon Spaihts who co-wrote the screenplay for the first film in Villneuve’s 2 part Dune
adaptation was initially attached to the series as showrunner.
In November 2019 however it was announced that he was stepping down from the project
in order to work on the screenplay for Dune part 2.
In an exclusive from Variety it was announced that Diane Ademu-John has signed on as the
new showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
Mostly recently she’s worked on the Netflix series the Haunting of Bly Manor.
Her credits also include Empire, The Originals, The Vampire Diaries, Medium, and Crossing
Jordan.
There aren’t many details regarding the plot for the series other than its a prequel
to Dune that will center around the lives of the Bene Gesserit.
A more detailed synopsis was noted in Variety stating, “Dune: The Sisterhood” is told
through the eyes of a mysterious order of women known as the Bene Gesserit.
Given extraordinary abilities by their mastery of the body and the mind, the Bene Gesserit
expertly weave through the feudal politics and intrigue of The Imperium, pursuing plans
of their own that will ultimately lead them to the enigmatic planet Arrakis, known to
its inhabitants as Dune.
It will serve as a prequel to the films.
While there has been some speculation that the series may be based on Brian Herbert and
Kevin J Anderson’s novel the Sisterhood of Dune which focuses on the early stages
of this mysterious organization thousands of years before the events of Frank Herbert’s
novels it seems more likely with this synopsis that the series is intended to connect to
the story of Dune as featured in the upcoming adaptation.
It may be that the series focuses on the various Bene Gesserit members throughout the universe
at the height of their power and highlight the various roles they play as they covertly
influence powerful individuals, sow seeds of myths and prophecies among primitive cultures
and manipulate bloodlines all in a bid to enact their ultimate plan for humanity’s
future.
Depending on how far back the prequel goes it's possible it could feature a younger Lady
Jessica.
It’s currently unclear at what point in the Dune timeline this show will be set but
there is certainly plenty to explore in this unique universe.
Deni Villneuve is still attached to direct the pilot episode for the series and will
executive produce along with Jon Spaihts with Brian and Kim Herbert and Byron Merrit representing
the Frank Herbert estate.
Scott Burns and Kevin J Anderson will also co-produce with Legendary, the production
company behind the new Dune film, set to oversee its development.
This show is also one of several different projects that HBO Max has ordered which are
set within the universe of upcoming films.
John Cena’s Peacemaker from the new Suicide Squad film will have his own series, and Gotham
PD which is tied to Matt Reeves upcoming The Batman film is also in development.
It will be interesting to see how this unique format works for these properties as they
attempt to expand upon the universe of the various films.
Certainly a series based on Dune is a far more ambitious and risky endeavor requiring
a great deal of knowledge of this grand and complex universe especially if they are not
strictly adapting a particular story within the books themselves.
With that in mind I’m remaining cautious in my anticipation of this series but as usual
I am eagerly awaiting more details regarding this project before I form a definitive opinion.
While I would have rather heard about production being greenlit for the intended sequel of
Dune to allay my fears that this new adaptation might remain incomplete it is encouraging
that this new series is still moving forward and hopefully it means that confirmation of
the Dune sequel isn’t far behind.
But I’m curious to know what you think about this Bene Gesserit series.
Is there a particular time frame you would like to see depicted in a prequel show?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.
I hope you enjoyed this video.
Leave a like if you did and be sure to subscribe for more Dune and other sci-fi and fantasy
news and lore.
Thank you all so much for your support and as always have a very nerdy day.