The Bene Gesserit have spoken, and the prophecy is here. With the release of Dune: Prophecy: The Complete First Season on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital, fans of the ever-expanding Dune universe now have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the origins of one of sci-fi’s most enigmatic factions. Clocking in at just over six hours, the six-episode season invites viewers into a dense, richly stylized prequel that shines brightest when viewed with an understanding of the lore it’s built upon.
Set 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy traces the journey of two Harkonnen sisters as they help form what will become the legendary Bene Gesserit. Inspired by Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the series isn't a one-to-one adaptation but instead borrows liberally from its source to construct a tighter, more cinematic arc suited to HBO’s high-drama standards.
Anderson—whom I had the pleasure of meeting years ago at Comicpalooza—was already a standout voice in sci-fi thanks to his love for Star Wars and Dune, and it's incredibly satisfying to see his name in the credits here. His passion for Herbert’s world always shone through, and with the success of Denis Villeneuve’s recent Dune films, there’s no better time for his contributions to be recognized on this scale.
The cast is sprawling and impressive: Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, and Mark Strong bring a grounded intensity to roles that are often as cryptic as they are commanding. Anna Foerster’s direction on key episodes adds a visually rich texture—bleak and beautiful in equal measure—that fans of the films will appreciate. The production design is predictably top-tier, capturing that surreal, distant-future mysticism that Dune thrives on.
That said, this is not an easy entry point for newcomers. If you’re unfamiliar with the Dune universe, Prophecy may feel like reading a history book out of context—important names are thrown around, politics are layered and complex, and without the broader framework, it can all feel a bit alienating. But for devoted fans? This is a banquet. The show isn’t afraid to dive deep into themes of prophecy, power, and genetic destiny, offering a satisfying expansion to Herbert’s canon.
The physical release sweetens the deal. Over an hour of bonus content includes five extended featurettes and a brand-new, never-before-seen segment exclusive to disc formats. For lore-lovers and collectors alike, these extras are invaluable. They provide not just behind-the-scenes glimpses, but contextual insights that help flesh out the world even further—perfect for those who want more than just the show.
While Dune has never quite been my series, I’ve always found it fascinating—from David Lynch’s bizarre 1984 interpretation (yes, the one with Sting) to Villeneuve’s stunning modern updates. Dune: Prophecy continues that tradition of attracting strong visual and thematic storytellers to an undeniably weird, wonderfully complex world. It may not convert the uninitiated, but it absolutely rewards the faithful.
And with a second season already greenlit and 15 million viewers tuning in for episode one, the prophecy seems fulfilled.
Jessie Hobson