History of Dune: Prophecy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 18, 2024

Dune: Prophecy is an American science fiction series for Max, set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert's Dune novel. It delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a powerful sisterhood with superhuman abilities acquired through rigorous training. Serving as a prequel to Denis Villeneuve's 2021 Dune film, the series is produced by Legendary Television, with Alison Schapker as showrunner, writer, and executive producer.

1965: Publication of "Dune"

Frank Herbert's groundbreaking science fiction novel "Dune" is published, introducing the Dune universe and the Bene Gesserit.

1965: "Dune" Publication

Frank Herbert's seminal novel, "Dune," is published, laying the groundwork for the entire Dune universe, including "Dune: Prophecy."

November 2016: Legendary Acquires Rights

Legendary Entertainment acquires the film and television rights to Frank Herbert's 1965 novel, Dune, marking the beginning of the "Dune: Prophecy" project.

2016: Legendary Entertainment Acquires Rights

Legendary Entertainment secures the film and television rights for Frank Herbert's "Dune" novel from his estate.

February 2017: Villeneuve Confirmed as Director

Denis Villeneuve is officially confirmed as the director for a planned two-part film adaptation of "Dune," signaling his initial involvement in the franchise that would later include "Dune: Prophecy."

2017: Villeneuve Confirmed as Director

Denis Villeneuve is officially confirmed as the director for a two-part film adaptation of "Dune."

June 2019: "Dune: The Sisterhood" Series Ordered

Legendary Television announces a series order for "Dune: The Sisterhood," a spinoff focusing on the origins of the Bene Gesserit and serving as a prequel to Villeneuve's "Dune" (2021).

July 2019: Dana Calvo Joins as Showrunner

Dana Calvo is hired as showrunner alongside Jon Spaihts, addressing criticism concerning the lack of female creatives on the project.

November 2019: Jon Spaihts Exits

Jon Spaihts departs from "Dune: The Sisterhood" to focus on "Dune: Part Two" (2024) amidst reports that Legendary Television was dissatisfied with his early work.

2019: Series Order Announced

Legendary Television announces a full series order for "Dune: The Sisterhood," intended as a prequel to Villeneuve's "Dune" (2021), focusing on the Bene Gesserit order.

November 2, 2020: Initial Filming Date

Initial filming for "Dune: The Sisterhood" was scheduled to commence on this date but was later postponed.

July 2021: Diane Ademu-John Becomes Showrunner

Diane Ademu-John is appointed as the new showrunner for "Dune: The Sisterhood."

2021: Villeneuve's "Dune" Released

Denis Villeneuve's cinematic adaptation of "Dune" is released, setting the stage for "Dune: Prophecy" as its prequel.

2021: Release of "Dune" (2021)

Denis Villeneuve's film adaptation of "Dune" is released, serving as a precursor to the events of "Dune: Prophecy."

April 2022: Johan Renck Replaces Villeneuve as Director

Johan Renck replaces Denis Villeneuve as director for the first two episodes as Villeneuve's focus shifts towards "Dune: Part Two."

November 2022: Filming Begins

Production on "Dune: Prophecy" commences in Budapest and Jordan under the working title "Dune: The Sisterhood."

November 22, 2022: Production Begins

Production officially begins in Budapest and Jordan under the working title "Dune: The Sisterhood," as confirmed by Johan Renck.

December 1, 2022: Casting Announcements

Mark Strong, Jade Anouka, and Chris Mason join the cast in starring roles. Josh Heuston and Edward Davis are cast in recurring roles later in the month.

February 2023: Project Hiatus and Renck Exits

Johan Renck departs from the project, leading to a production hiatus and prompting the search for a new director.

February 2023: Shirley Henderson Exits

Shirley Henderson departs from the series during the production hiatus following Johan Renck's exit.

June 2023: Anna Foerster Becomes Director

Anna Foerster is brought on to direct multiple episodes of "Dune: Prophecy," including the pilot, replacing Johan Renck.

July 2023: Production Resumes

Filming resumes in Budapest amidst ongoing WGA and SAG strikes, as the series' talent operates under the UK-based union Equity.

October 2023: Volker Bertelmann Replaces Jónsi as Composer

Volker Bertelmann is announced as the composer for "Dune: Prophecy," replacing the initially hired Jónsi.

November 2023: Series Retitled and Platform Change

The series is renamed to "Dune: Prophecy" and its release platform shifts to WarnerMedia's new streaming service, Max.

December 2023: Filming Concludes

Filming for "Dune: Prophecy" wraps up, with Pierre Gill serving as the lead cinematographer.

May 2024: First Trailer Release

Max unveils the inaugural trailer for "Dune: Prophecy," offering a glimpse into the series.

May 2024: Tabu and Jihae Join Cast

Tabu is cast as Sister Francesca and Jihae is cast as Reverend Mother Kasha, expanding the series' cast.

2024: Release of "Dune: Part Two"

"Dune: Part Two," a continuation of Villeneuve's adaptation, is scheduled for release.

2024: Scheduled Release on Max

"Dune: Prophecy" is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024 on the streaming platform Max.

Mentioned in this timeline

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