Interview: ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Promises Intrigue, Power, and the Rise of the Bene Gesserit – NYCC Exclusive

As a huge fan of the Dune novels, you can imagine my excitement when HBO announced a new series set in Frank Herbert’s universe. If there’s one story that could rival the scale, character complexity, political intrigue, action-packed sword fights, and all-out allure of Game of Thrones, Dune is it. Spanning tens of thousands of years, the creators could have chosen any number of stories that make up the Dune tapestry, like the Butlerian Jihad, where humans revolt against computers and thinking machines, or the discovery of spice and the founding of the Spacing Guild. Instead, they anchored the story around one of the most secretive and powerful organizations in the entire Dune universe: the Bene Gesserit.

I was fortunate to watch the first two episodes of Dune: Prophecy, attend the NYCC Dune panel, and interview the creators and cast. Now, as someone who loves witchy women, I am definitely the target audience for this show. And, as a fan of Herbert’s original novels, I’m thrilled to see the Bene Gesserit—a group that is sometimes villainous, sometimes heroic, yet always central and fighting for humanity—take the spotlight. It turns out, I’m not alone.

“I haven’t met a Dune fan who doesn’t want to know more about the Bene Gesserit,” said showrunner and executive producer Alison Shapker. “It doesn’t feel niche; it feels very relatable to people… men, women, everybody is intrigued.”

Alison grew up devouring the Dune novels at a young and impressionable age. So if you’re concerned about whether the team at the helm truly respects the source material, fear not—after all, fear is the mind killer.

“I have a very strong sense memory of reading Dune… It was such a trippy experience, and it left an imprint on me. So, to get this opportunity… it was terrifying, but how could I not try?”

One of the challenges in creating Dune: Prophecy was aligning the show’s style, production value, and scope with the hugely successful Dune movies by Denis Villeneuve. Those films opened up the universe to a broader audience and set the bar incredibly high.

Executive producer Jordan Goldberg wasn’t daunted by the challenge.

“What’s great about Denis’ movie, and what I think is great about our show, is that it’s epic, but it’s intimate, and you always have to bear that in mind… the show’s being brought to you inside your house, so it has to be emotional,” said Jordan.

Jordan’s insight captures exactly why I was excited to see Dune translated into a series. Beneath the sandworms, ornithopters, and lasguns, Dune’s greatest appeal is its complex characters, all scheming for power and control. Once I saw the cast list, I felt confident the series would deliver. I’ve been a huge fan of Emily Watson for decades. From Gosford Park, Breaking the Waves, and Chernobyl to the underrated Punch Drunk Love, Emily has shone across genres and formats. I was thrilled to see her cast as the series lead, Valya Harkonnen. Not only is she a perfect choice, but focusing on the origins of the cruel House Harkonnen and linking them to the genesis of the Bene Gesserit is a clever twist, forcing viewers to see the Dune universe in a new light.

“She’s a mother figure, but not in a comforting way,” said Emily. “Valya’s approach to mentorship is to challenge and push those around her to their limits, especially in the Sisterhood. It’s about survival, preparing them for what’s to come.”

Prepare to root for the “bad guy”—or maybe “bad witch” is more accurate. I’m definitely getting some Wicked vibes from her character.

Like Game of Thrones, I expect Dune: Prophecy to introduce fresh talent and help launch their careers. Keep an eye on Jessica Barden, who plays a young Valya Harkonnen in flashback scenes. She not only bears a striking resemblance to a young Emily Watson but also brings undeniable intensity and charisma to the screen.

“Valya’s story is really personal to me,” said Jessica. “There’s so much anger and ambition, and that’s where I connected with her. She’s someone constantly trying to find her path in this world while dealing with a lot of unresolved pain.”

Jessica also happened to be the most animated cast member on stage at the NYCC panel and in press interviews. She offered a refreshingly honest and humorous perspective that likely had publicists sweating a bit, but it was a breath of fresh air amid the usual responses actors give after a dozen interviews.

Dune: Prophecy doesn’t skimp on production value. The sets, costumes, and special effects rival those of feature films. This isn’t hyperbole—the test screeners I received had “temp FX” over some scenes, yet I couldn’t imagine how they would improve upon what was already there.

To achieve a setting worthy of Dune’s grandeur, the production filmed on location in Hungary and Jordan. The Byzantine-era architecture helped create Dune’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, where people, not technology, drive the story. Olivia Williams, who plays Tula Harkonnen, the enigmatic younger sister of Mother Superior Valya, recalled a particular scene filmed in a Budapest church.

“One shot started on our faces, and the camera pulled out for what seemed like half a mile, taking in the universe. It really was magical,” said Olivia.

Emily Watson agreed.

“There were sets on this show… particularly the Bene Gesserit HQ, that were like Disneyland, just massive and immersive,” said Emily.

I predict that Dune: Prophecy will be a hit with audiences. It has enough depth for die-hard Dune fans like me and is intriguing enough to draw in a general audience. What else can we expect from HBO, one of the few networks that takes time to develop a series and trusts its creators to pursue their vision?

“I felt tremendous support and freedom to let the show become what it was meant to be,” said Alison. “HBO is great about allowing creators to let a project find its way, and that was such a gift.”

Dune: Prophecy premieres November 17th on HBO.