Dune: Prophecy series coming to HBO this fall with a star-studded cast

The world has fallen in love with "Dune" again, and this is the first time in the world of film. The two previous adaptations of Frank Herbert's novel did not garner much attention from audiences. A trailer for the "Dune: Prophecy" series, which will premiere on HBO and the Max platform this fall, has appeared online.

Before Denis Villeneuve's two-part movie, "Dune" was adapted twice. The first adaptation of the American science fiction writer's book was a theatrical production directed by David Lynch in 1984. The second was made in 2000. The TV miniseries consisted of three episodes and was filmed in Rome and Prague. Both projects did not succeed, although David Lynch's film gained recognition from viewers, but only after many years.

One of the most original directors of the second half of the 20th century created a work best described as an ambitious failure. Lynch wanted to create an epic, visionary piece that would amaze critics and genre enthusiasts and compete with the then record-breaking "Star Wars" trilogy. "Dune" cost about $50 million. For the mid-80s, this was a huge budget, much larger than the budget for "Return of the Jedi," which reached $38 million. Lucas's production earned $475 million in theaters, while Lynch's film made just over $30 million.

The film world only fell in love with "Dune" thanks to Denis Villeneuve's movie. The first part, during the difficult pandemic period, earned $400 million in theaters. It won six Oscars and was nominated for the Academy Award in the main category. The second part grossed over $700 million in theaters, and until the release of the animation "Inside Out 2," it was the biggest box office hit of the current year.

It is already known that Denis Villeneuve received the green light from Warner Bros to develop the "Dune" universe further. While waiting for the cinematic adaptation of "Dune Messiah," viewers can watch the "Dune: Prophecy" series, which, after years of changes and a complete restart, will land on HBO and the Max platform in November.

The action of "Prophecy" takes place 10,000 years before the events of "Dune." The series focuses on the sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen, who fight against forces threatening humanity's future and establish the legendary order known as Bene Gesserit. Later, this order included Lady Jessica, mother of Paul Atreides, played in "Dune" by Rebecca Ferguson.

The cast includes several well-known names, including Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Mark Strong. "Dune: Prophecy" is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune by Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert, son of Frank Herbert, the author of the "Dune" series.