Frank Herbert’sDuneand its sequels are some of the most iconic science fiction literature in the world - but they are far from perfect. One common complaint of the novels is that they neglect women, choosing to focus only on male characters. For every Lady Jessica actively involved in the plot, there’s a Princess Irulan relegated to being a historian chronicling Paul’s deeds. HBO and Warner Brothers aim to change that with their new seriesDune: Prophecy,streaming on HBO Max. Set 10,000 years before the events of the firstDunenovel,Prophecyputs its female characters squarely in the spotlight.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
At the center ofProphecyaresisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen, the Bene Gesserit Mother Superior and a Reverend Mother, respectively. On the political side of things, Empress Natalya Corrino rules actively alongside her husband while Princess Ynez prepares to take the throne. Also present are the Bene Gesserit novices Lila, Theodosia, Jen, and Emeline, the older members Kasha and Francesca, the Fremen woman Mikaela, and even the spirit of the deceased Sisterhood founder, Mother Raquella. Women from all walks of life take center stage throughout the Galaxy inDune: Prophecy,and Game Rant recently spoke about this aspect of the show producer and writer Alison Schapker, Emily Watson (who plays Valya Harkonnen), Olivia Williams (who plays Tula Harkonnen), and Chloe Lea (who plays Sister Lila).
The Show Revolves Around Relationships Between Women
While there are definitely key male characters inDune: Prophecy,such asEmperor Javicco Corrinoand royal swordmaster Keiran Atreides, women and their relationships are always the focus. Valya and Tula’s relationship, which Watson and Williams describe as “conflicted” due to their differing goals for the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, is the central one in the story. Also centered are Tula’s motherly feelings towards Sister Lila, Valya’s desire to live up to the legacy of Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson), and the friendships and conflicts between acolytes like Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka) and Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham)
Women are also the focus of the political side of things. Empress Natalya Corrino is determined to be an active ruler and is “frustrated” by Javicco’s over-reliance on the advice ofBene GesseritSister Kasha is described as a “Rasputin-like figure.” And Princess Ynez Corrino, heir to the Golden Lion Throne, is one of the show’s most fascinating characters - she is young but already ambitious, willing to enter into an arranged marriage with a mere child for the good of the Imperium.
Alison Schapker Loved Getting To Focus On The Women
Schapker, who is known for her work on previous series includingFringeandWestworld,was thrilled at the opportunity to get to focus on the women ofDune.In creatingProphecy,she blended original ideas and stories with the novelSisterhood of Duneby Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, which focuses on the founding of the Bene Gesserit order and the origins of their plan to breed the Kwisatz Haderach. Describing the process, Schapker said:
“It’s just wonderful to take these figures that are so larger than life, so at the top of their power, so mysterious in Frank Herbert’sDuneand theDunemovies, and then to dig in a little more… I have never met aDunefan who didn’t want to know more about the Bene Gesserit, so it feels like just so much fun to be in this corner of the universe, with this specific institution rising.”
Schapker further said that it was “an incredible privilege” to work with actresses like Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Jodhi May to bring the series' many female characters to life.Dune: Prophecyis truly a trailblazer when it comes to focusing on women in theDuneuniverse, and, as Schapker said, will also allow fans to learn much more about the always secretive and mysterious Bene Gesserit.
