Dune 3 May Encounter Challenges Stemming from Max’s Prequel Series, Explained

Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies will be expanding with the series Dune: Prophecy on Max later this year. Here’s why we’re nervous about it.

Timothee Chalamet and Josh Brolin from Dune, with a Sandworm in the background

Denis Villeneuve’s two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary novel Dune has developed a reputation as some of the best sci-fi cinema of the 21st century. Beginning with 2021’s Dune and then continuing with this year’s Dune: Part Two, Villeneuve’s films have established themselves as some of the definitive cinematic works of this decade so far.

In a landscape dominated by never-ending franchises like Star Wars and the MCU, Villeneuve crafted two groundbreaking and thought-provoking blockbusters that harken back to Hollywood’s heyday in the late 20th century.

With his two films, Villeneuve has now covered the entirety of Herbert’s first Dune novel, and the director has been open about his intent to adapt the second book, Dune Messiah, into a third film to complete his trilogy. With the incredible success of Dune: Part Two, a third Dune movie would seem like an easy win in terms of audience interest, but there’s one outside factor that could affect Villeneuve’s film series. That potential hiccup comes in the form of Dune: Prophecy, a prequel series that is set to debut on Max later this year. Here’s what we know:

The Dune: Prophecy Prequel Series

Reverend Mother Gaius and Paul Atreides in Dune

When we say that Dune: Prophecy is a prequel to Villeneuve’s films, we don’t mean in the same way that the Star Wars prequels preceded George Lucas’ original trilogy. It’s not a story about a young Duke Leto or Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV or anything like that. There will be no returning characters in the prequel series, as it is set millennia beforehand. Its story will focus on new characters that lived about 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides, his takeover of Arrakis and the holy war that followed.

Dune: Prophecy is a story about the founding of the Bene Gesserit, the mysterious organization that secretly orchestrates the political dealings of the Imperium and attempts to produce the legendary Kwisatz Haderach through carefully crossing bloodlines. The Bene Gesserit has played a substantial role in Villeneuve’s films, as Paul’s mother, Jessica, is a Bene Gesserit who serves at the behest of the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohaim. The Reverend Mother appears throughout both Dune films, most notably in the opening act of the first film, where she tests Paul with the Gom Jabbar.

Looking beyond the plot, one of the most important things to know about Dune: Prophecy (formerly titled Dune: The Sisterhood) is that it comes mostly from a different creative team. While Denis Villeneuve going to direct a couple of episodes and his co-writer Jon Spaihts was originally hired as the showrunner, neither of those are the case anymore.

The show has gone through many changes and creative reshuffling behind-the-scenes, and it ultimately settled on Alison Schapker (Altered CarbonFringeAlias and more) as the writer and showrunner. Villeneuve remains on-board as an executive producer, though he is no longer going to direct any of the series, as he had to step away to focus on Dune: Part Two.

Related Posts

Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant Shock the World by Giving Diamonds to the Homeless – You Won’t Believe the Fortune They Spent to Transform Lives Forever!

In an extraordinary act of compassion and bold generosity, Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves and his partner, artist Alexandra Grant, have stunned the world with a philanthropic gesture…

Keanu Reeves Turns the School Run into a Supercar Parade – You Won’t Believe the Price Tags of His Jaw-Dropping Luxury Fleet!

In the world of Hollywood, few celebrities have captured the hearts of fans quite like Keanu Reeves. Known for his humble demeanor, generosity, and enigmatic charm, Reeves…

Keanu Reeves Spent $7,000 Designing a Dream Kitchen to Inspire His Girlfriend to Cook—But Guess Who Ended Up Becoming the Chef?

In the world of Hollywood romance, there are roses, red carpets, and extravagant gestures. But when it comes to Keanu Reeves, the star of John Wick and…

Nicole Kidman’s Spine-Chilling Triumph as Kay Scarpetta: Why This Unmissable Summer Blockbuster Is Being Hailed as Her Greatest Role Yet!

In the sultry heat of summer 2025, a new television series has taken the world by storm, and at its heart is Nicole Kidman, delivering what many…

Ginny & Georgia Fans Rejoice: Season 4 Confirmed, But a Major Exit Promises a Wild Ride Ahead! 🎶😲🌈

excitement is brewing among fans of Netflix’s hit dramedy Ginny & Georgia. The series, which has captivated audiences with its blend of small-town secrets, family drama, and…

Mickey Haller’s Murder Charge Explodes in Season 4: Lorna Uncovers a Hidden FBI Conspiracy to Save Him from Sam Scales’ Revenge Plot! 👀🎬💥

As the clock ticks toward 12:45 AM +07 on Saturday, June 28, 2025, fans of The Lincoln Lawyer are reeling from a seismic shockwave set to dominate…