How Dune Prophecy Fits into the Dune Movies Timeline Explained

How Dune Prophecy Fits into the Dune Movies Timeline Explained

As a seasoned gamer and sci-fi enthusiast with a soft spot for the intricate tapestry of the Dune universe, I must admit that the upcoming premiere of “Dune: Prophecy” has stirred a mix of anticipation and curiosity within me. Having traversed the desolate dunes of Arrakis in the original movies, I’m eager to delve deeper into the rich history and political machinations that shaped this grand universe.


As a gamer enthusiastic about the upcoming premiere of “Dune: Prophey”, I find myself pondering over some intriguing questions. The “Dune” universe is an expansive tapestry set twenty thousand years ahead of our time. This era bears the mark of the Butlerian Jihad, a distant war that saw humanity triumphing against “thinking machines”, leading to the banishment of almost all forms of computers. In their place, humans honed their skills and creativity, amplifying them with substances such as the elusive spice “melange”. Various institutions like the Bene Gesserit sisterhood emerged, a group of women dedicated to a singular purpose: crafting the ultimate being. The storyline of “Dune: Prophey” unfolds in the earliest days of this sisterhood, a decade before the cinematic adaptations, delving into the origins of their quest for perfection.

The captivating films Dune and Dune: Part Two have sparked intrigue among audiences, while the upcoming series Dune: Prophecy aims to follow suit. However, it’s important to note that this show is connected to the movies only by being set within the same universe. The storyline of Dune: Prophecy predates the film events significantly, and its setting differs greatly in numerous aspects from the films. This is primarily due to the specific time period it depicts and the drastic changes in human politics, as well as the unique circumstances surrounding the Bene Gesserit themselves.

Dune: Prophecy Takes Viewers Back Millennia

How Dune Prophecy Fits into the Dune Movies Timeline Explained

In the year 10,191 following the establishment of the Spacing Guild, commonly abbreviated as AG, we find the stories of Dune and its sequel, Dune: Part Two. The term ‘AG’ stands for ‘After Guild’. On the other hand, the prequel story Dune: Prophecy is set in the early years of the AG era, drawing inspiration from the prequel novels by Brian Herbert (son of original author Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson, specifically the Great Schools Of Dune trilogy. This series follows directly after their previous work, the Butlerian Jihad trilogy. The victory over the Machines has given rise to a new empire, with House Corrino at its core. The Atreides family are celebrated war heroes, with Vorian Atreides playing a pivotal role in thwarting the Machine uprising. Conversely, the actions of Vladimir Harkonnen, who defied orders to destroy decoy refugee ships, have cast his House into outcast status. As the Imperium takes shape, the Bene Gesserit, Spacing Guild, and Mentat school are all vying for power and influence.

This is an engaging era in the Imperium’s chronicles. Each institution, undeniably humanity too, navigates complexities of a cosmos unparalleled to any they encountered for millennia. The Earth no longer exists, having been obliterated during war on a planet now under machine control. Power struggles ensue among factions. The series primarily focuses on the endeavors of sisters Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen and Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen, who strive to elevate their order to a favorable position while simultaneously seeking redemption for their family’s tarnished honor. In essence, Dune: Prophecy is centered around political machinations, as each faction within the nascent Imperium pursues its unique objectives in an intense race for power, with any action capable of altering the universe dramatically.

Dune: Prophecy Takes Place In A Very Interesting Time In Dune History

How Dune Prophecy Fits into the Dune Movies Timeline Explained

The “Dune” series of novels introduced readers to an extraordinary science fiction world unlike any other. The initial six books delve into human nature, politics, and ecology, which significantly influenced the narrative of the “Dune” movies as well. The empire in the “Dune” universe is one of the most captivating in sci-fi literature, with institutions like the Bene Gesserit adding to its intrigue. The “Dune” films did a commendable job of depicting this universe in a visually appealing manner, offering a fresh take on the story that steered clear of the heavy exposition that made the books so popular among hardcore fans. The upcoming film “Dune: Prophecy” offers an opportunity to expand upon the Bene Gesserit and provide fans with a peek into a time period they have yet to explore.

The series “Dune: Prophecy” draws upon a deep history, combining elements from both the film and book versions. By establishing the story so far in the past, it can explore concepts hinted at in the films, without significantly altering their narrative context. Although some ardent Frank Herbert fans might choose to bypass the series due to its basis on Brian Herbert and Anderson’s works, “Dune: Prophecy” is a compelling watch for movie enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the universe and its intricacies. The early setting enables the show to tell its unique story, one that will subtly impact the film world, enhancing viewers’ comprehension.

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2024-11-16 21:39