History of Dune: Prophecy in Timeline

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.