Initially appearing to hit a production roadblock, theDuneprequel spin-off series,Dune: The Sisterhood, is now casting. It appears to series is safe from the recent cuts at HBO Max under the new leadership at Warner Bros. Discovery.
TheDuneseries, which was announced in 2019, will reportedly reveal the history of the Bene Gesserit, the secretive all-women organization focused on acquiring more power and influence to ascend the human race with the emergence of their chosen one, the Kwisatz Haderach.
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According to Deadline, theDuneseries is currently in its casting phase. The project hasavoided HBO Max cuts, as the streamer’s Head of Original Content Sarah Aubrey Aubrey is staying on board in the same role and will be focusing on “big, largely IP-based tentpoles” moving forward. While it’s unclear which characters the series will focus on, ifDune: Part Two’s newest additions are any indication, it’s likely the prequel’s cast will be a stacked one featuring plenty of talent. Originally,Dunedirector Denis Villeneuve was going to direct the series pilot, with writer Jon Spaihts penning the screenplay and Dana Calvo as showrunner. Now, Villeneuve and Spaihts will remain as executive producers, asThe Haunting of Bly Manor’s Diane Ademu-John has taken over as showrunner andChernobyl’s Johan Renck is slated to direct the first two episodes.
Until more details surface, the focus has been on Villeneuve’s highly anticipatedDune: Part Two. With the sequel set to cover the second half of the novel, the film will heavily focus on Paul’s relationship with the Fremen group and his journey to becoming the fabled Kwisatz Haderach, which eventually leads to his rebellion against the Emperor. Javier Bardem, who will reprise his role as Fremen leader Stilgar,commented on theDune 2script, sharing that it is full of surprises.
Pre-shooting took place on July 4 at the Brion tomb in Altivole, Italy, while principal photography began on July 18 in Budapest, Hungary. Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson’s Lady Jessica, Josh Brolin’s Gurney Halleck, Zendaya’s Chani, Stellan Skarsgård’s Baron Harkonnen and Dave Bautista’s Glossu Rabban are all returning. Florence Pugh and Austin Butler have been cast as Princess Irulan and Harkonnen heir Feyd-Rautha, respectively.Christopher Walken will play Emperor Shaddam IV, while Léa Seydoux and Souheila Yacoub will fill the roles of Lady Margot and Shishakli, respectively.
Dune: The Sisterhoodis in early development, whileDune: Part Twois slated to release in theatres on Jul 26, 2025.
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