### "Dune" Universe Expands with Prequel Series "Dune: Prophecy" Premiering Sunday

The vast "Dune" universe is set for an exciting expansion with the upcoming prequel series "Dune: Prophecy." Scheduled to premiere on Sunday, the six-part series on Max takes the narrative far beyond the Spice-laden deserts of Arrakis, famously traversed by Timotheé Chalamet's character Paul Atreides in the recent "Dune" films directed by Denis Villeneuve.

According to executive producer Alison Schapker, "Prophecy" explores "totally different environments" and time periods, enriching the "Dune" saga in a way that stays true to Frank Herbert's iconic source material and the visually stunning movies. Schapker, who has a distinguished background with credits on shows like "Westworld," "Lost," and "Alias," told CNN that maintaining the familiar aesthetic was crucial to ensure consistency with Villeneuve's cinematic vision.

Set 10,000 years before the events depicted in "Dune: Part 1" and "Dune: Part 2," this prequel delves into the origin story of the Bene Gesserit, a clandestine and highly trained sisterhood. Inspired by the "Schools of Dune" trilogy by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert, the series focuses on sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen as they confront threats to humanity's future and lay the foundation for what becomes the formidable Bene Gesserit.

"Dune: Prophecy" features intriguing locales such as Salusa Secundus, known in Villeneuve's films as a prison planet but depicted here as an imperial world. The show also explores Wallach IX, where the sisterhood has its institutional base, and Lankiveil, an icy planet where the Harkonnens experience banishment during this period.

Visually, there was a concerted effort to make these worlds appear "real and gritty and epic," while also grounding the storyline and intricate lore through compelling characters. Schapker emphasized that "Dune" newcomers would find the series accessible without prior exposure to the books or films.

The series aims at a more mature audience with its exploration of complex human dimensions, including sexuality. Schapker expressed delight at the creative freedom to explore these themes, stating that it was enjoyable to "allow our characters to have three-dimensional humanity to them, including their sexuality" without being gratuitous.

The first episode of "Dune: Prophecy" premieres this Sunday on Max.