Max - Dune: Prophecy - A Grand Premiere at Paris' Grand Rex Marks the Dawn of a New Chapter in the Dune Universe

By Mulder, Paris, salle de cinéma du Grand Rex, 14 november 2024

Dune: Prophecy took center stage on November 14, 2024, with an extraordinary premiere at the iconic Grand Rex theater in Paris, leaving fans of Frank Herbert's epic universe in awe. The venue, packed to capacity, buzzed with excitement as attendees gathered to witness the first episode of this highly anticipated HBO series. Before the screening, the audience was treated to a captivating live performance that set the tone for the evening, encapsulating the mystique and grandeur of the Dune saga. The performance, now available to watch online, featured an evocative blend of music, light, and narration, immersing viewers into the intricate world of the Bene Gesserit and the tumultuous political intrigue of the Imperium.

As a prequel to Denis Villeneuve's critically acclaimed 2021 film Dune, this new series delves deep into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the enigmatic sisterhood whose influence shapes the galaxy's future. Dune: Prophecy, developed by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, expands on the lore set 10,000 years before the events of Herbert's original novel. Drawing inspiration from the Great Schools of Dune trilogy by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the show crafts a compelling narrative around the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, as they confront existential threats and establish their order's legacy. The production boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, and Mark Strong, whose performances are set to bring this rich tapestry of characters to life.

Filming for Dune: Prophecy spanned diverse landscapes, from Budapest to the deserts of Jordan, with a commitment to practical effects and authentic set designs that echo the scale of its cinematic predecessor. This commitment to artistry is evident in the series' visual and auditory design, with cinematographer Pierre Gill capturing stunning vistas and Volker Bertelmann providing a haunting score that resonates with the themes of power, destiny, and survival. Initially titled Dune: The Sisterhood, the project underwent significant creative evolution, with Alison Schapker taking the reins as sole showrunner. After years of development and a host of challenges, the series stands poised to offer a richly layered exploration of one of science fiction's most iconic universes.

Scheduled to premiere on November 17, 2024, on HBO and Max, Dune: Prophecy marks a pivotal expansion of the Dune franchise. Its Parisian debut not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Herbert's visionary world but also set a high bar for what fans can expect from this ambitious series. The evening served as a reminder of the power of science fiction to captivate audiences and explore timeless themes through the lens of an intricately imagined future.

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Synopsis :
In a future where mankind has traveled across the galaxy of a thousand planets, a mysterious sorority called Bene Gesserit navigates the political battles and imbroglios of the Imperium, pursuing a very specific goal of its own that will take its members as far as the enigmatic planet of Dune...

Dune: Prophecy
Based on Great Schools of Dune by Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson and Dune by Frank Herbert
Developed by Diane Ademu-John, Alison Schapker
Showrunner : Alison Schapker
Starring  : Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Jodhi May, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Aoife Hinds, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, Jade Anouka, Chris Mason, Tabu
Music by Volker Bertelmann
Executive producers : Diane Ademu-John, Alison Schapker, Jon Spaihts, Scott Z. Burns, Matthew King, John Cameron, Cait Collins, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Dana Calvo
Producer : Kevin J. Anderson
Cinematography : Pierre Gill
Production companies : Cunning Hand, Annabelita Films, Legendary Television, Warner Bros. Television
Network : HBO

Photos et video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville