**Upcoming HBO Series "Dune: Prophecy" Promises a Gripping Prequel Set Thousands of Years Before Paul Atreides**

HBO's much-anticipated series "Dune: Prophecy" takes viewers on an epic journey 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, delving into the origins of the legendary Bene Gesserit. Emily Watson stars as Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen, a complex character driven by vengeance to restore her family's honor against House Atreides. The series, co-produced with Legendary Television, traverses multiple timelines, revealing Valya's evolution from a young, traumatized girl to a powerful puppet master controlling humanity's fate. Showrunner Alison Schapker emphasizes the depth of Valya's character, noting her manipulation of the Great Houses' bloodlines through a secret breeding program to ensure the best leadership for the universe.

"Dune: Prophecy" is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's novel "Sisterhood of Dune," though it is not a direct adaptation. The series also pulls from "Mentats of Dune" and "Navigators of Dune," integrating events and character backstories from these works. Schapker highlights the show's unique take on the Dune universe, set during a period of rebuilding the Imperium. While Arrakis, the spice-rich desert planet, remains a crucial element, the series predominantly explores other planets like Salusa Secundus and Wallach IX, home to the Sisterhood and the imperial seat of power.

The series features a dynamic sister duo at its core, with Olivia Williams portraying Valya's younger sister, Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen. The Harkonnen sisters' intricate relationship drives much of the plot, with their shared traumatic past and familial dynamics playing essential roles. "Dune: Prophecy" spans decades, requiring two sets of actors to portray the sisters through different life stages, with Jessica Barden and Emma Canning playing the younger versions of Valya and Tula, respectively. The show also follows the sisters as they mentor new acolytes within the Sisterhood, uncovering secrets about their origins and their potentially transformative impact on the universe.

Travis Fimmel's character, Desmond Hart, introduces a mysterious and fearsome element to the series. A soldier returning changed from his experiences on Arrakis, Hart becomes an enigma and a central threat to Valya Harkonnen's plans. The series explores Valya's strategic maneuvers and her quest to decipher Hart's origin while maintaining her control over the Imperium's power dynamics.

"Dune: Prophecy," premiering on Sunday, November 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and available for streaming on Max, offers an intricate prequel to the acclaimed Dune saga. Viewers can expect a blend of familiar Dune elements with fresh settings and narratives, focusing on the growth and influence of the Bene Gesserit across the galaxy.