Following the impactful release of “Dune: Half 2,” which captivated audiences eight months ago, we now journey back 10,000 years into the lore of the “Dune” universe with HBO’s new prequel series, “Dune: Prophecy.” This captivating series allows fans to delve into a rich tapestry of history that predates the events of the films, offering a unique perspective on the complex dynamics of power, politics, and the fateful decisions that shaped the galaxy.

While this prequel is set in a distant past, it does not feature familiar faces like Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, or Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino. Instead, the story focuses on their ancestral legacies, exploring the deep-rooted tensions between the noble houses. “Dune: Prophecy” provides a compelling account of the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the influential all-female order that subtly governs the political landscape of the universe. Notable characters include Valya and Tula Harkonnen, portrayed by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, who emerge as pivotal figures leading the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood.

The premiere episode opens with a gripping flashback to the Butlerian Jihad, a monumental conflict where humanity rebelled against sentient machines, marking one of the earliest significant events in the “Dune” saga. This war resulted in the near-extinction of all computers, with the Atreides family emerging as heroes while the Harkonnens were cast as villains and subsequently exiled. Years later, the young Valya Harkonnen ascends to leadership of the Bene Gesserit following the death of the inaugural Mother Superior, Raquella. In her final moments, Raquella foresees ominous visions of colossal sandworms on Arrakis and the scent of burning flesh, foreshadowing cataclysmic events set to unfold over the next 10,000 years.

As Valya matures into the new Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit, she prepares to welcome Princess Ynez Corrino, played by Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, into their ranks. Ynez, daughter of Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) and Empress Natalya (Jodhi May), is being trained by the formidable swordmaster Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason). Despite the romantic tension between Ynez and Keiran, her political future is already sealed with an engagement to a nine-year-old prince from House Richese, complicating her personal aspirations and ambitions.

Simultaneously, a soldier named Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who narrowly escaped an attack on Arrakis, seeks an audience with the Emperor. However, the Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae) harbors doubts about his intentions. Much like Mother Superior Raquella before her, Kasha experiences a foreboding vision concerning Princess Ynez’s fate, suggesting that dark forces are at play within the intricate political machinations of the universe.

Ynez’s wedding ceremony to the Richese boy quickly spirals into chaos when the young groom reveals a seemingly innocuous robotic lizard, which is actually a prohibited artificial intelligence. Panic erupts among the royal guests, but Desmond intervenes, destroying the device to avert disaster. However, the shocking turn of events continues as Desmond later confronts the Richese prince, using his mysterious telepathic fire powers to incinerate him. This brutal act raises alarms and suspicions about Desmond’s true nature, especially as the same fate befalls Reverend Mother Kasha, leading to escalating intrigue around Desmond’s past.

Showrunner Alison Schapker, along with stars Watson and Williams, provides insights into the premiere episode during an engaging discussion with Variety, where they explore their complex Harkonnen characters and the ambitious task of building a “Dune” universe set 10,000 years in the past.

Exploring the Personal Connections to “Dune” Among the Cast and Crew

Alison Schapker: My journey with “Dune” began, like many others, as an enthusiastic fan reading the novels in my attic bedroom during my teenage years. I vividly remember the profound impact it had on me; the intricate world-building and complex characters left a lasting impression. As my career progressed, I found myself writing extensively within the science fiction genre. When I heard about the potential adaptation of “Dune” into a television series and the opportunity to be involved, it felt like a wonderful dream come true—one that I never expected to materialize.

Emily Watson: I had previously seen the initial “Dune” film, but that was the extent of my familiarity with the franchise. However, stepping into this project was a remarkable experience. There is an abundance of complex lore to navigate, alongside genuine human emotions and behaviors that resonate deeply with the audience.

Olivia Williams: I reached out to Alison for a comprehensive and rapid crash course on the “Dune” universe. Thankfully, she provided me with a detailed guide. During our discussions, I realized the significance of the role; the technician who came to install my home audio-visual system was so impressed when I mentioned I would be playing Tula Harkonnen that he knelt before me. At that moment, I understood the weight of the expectations and aspirations resting on my shoulders, and I knew I had to approach this role with the utmost seriousness and respect.

Crafting the Unique World of “Dune: Prophecy” Set 10,000 Years in the Past

Schapker: The process of world-building is immense and challenging. Our creative team had to envision everything from the design of clothing to the technology and architecture. Each decision in filmmaking requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when constructing a world that is entirely fictitious. For instance, we explored new planets, including one that is icy, raising questions about the inhabitants’ attire, trade practices, and living conditions. Our goal was to create an environment that felt both relatable and distinctly alien, drawing the audience into this expansive universe.

Williams: Importantly, our setting is quite different; instead of the sandy landscapes familiar to the “Dune” franchise, we find ourselves on a moist planet abundant with moss. The production team even provided us with a water tank, ensuring we were constantly sprayed with water to simulate the damp conditions, enhancing the authenticity of our environment.

Watson: We affectionately refer to our setting as 10,000 years B.C. — Before Chalamet, highlighting the unique temporal context of our story.

Understanding the Complex Relationship Between the Harkonnens and the Atreides

Watson: The mention of the Atreides name evokes a visceral reaction for the Harkonnens, as their reputation and fortunes have been tarnished by historical grievances stemming from a web of lies. In the intricate universe of “Dune,” the lines between good and evil are blurred, making it challenging to label characters strictly as heroes or villains. We genuinely believe we are the heroes of our own stories, even if others might disagree with that perspective.

Williams: History is replete with tales of conflict over land, power, and familial disputes. When examining the roots of such conflicts, one must consider who was there first, who claims ownership of the land, and the legacy of personal feuds. Science fiction, especially from the 1960s, has a long-standing tradition of reflecting contemporary political issues through its narratives. The themes of territorial disputes and family rivalries resonate deeply across time, revealing the unchanging nature of human behavior, whether it’s 10,000 years in the past or in our current reality.

Examining the Prescient Themes of Technology and AI in “Dune: Prophecy”

Schapker: Working within the “Dune” universe, which vividly explores the consequences of artificial intelligence and its fallout, has been a profound experience. The narrative delves into the catastrophic impact of humanity surrendering its agency to machines, leading to devastating conflicts that threaten species extinction. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of technology and the fears surrounding it. Observing contemporary society, one cannot help but notice the increasing reliance on technology to the point where critical thinking is often outsourced. The pressing question arises: what happens when we no longer possess the ability to think independently? This series encourages viewers to ponder the implications of such a reality.

This interview has been edited and condensed.