The success of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune (2021) has ensured further exploration of the Dune universe created by American author Frank Herbert. Dune: Prophecy, a series about the beginning of the Bene Gesserit, originally went into development at HBO Max in June 2019 under the title Dune: The Sisterhood. After undergoing several changes, including the departures of multiple directors and showrunners, it is finally ready and will premiere this fall. Since Dune: Part Two (2024) has become a major hit, fans’ interest in the series has skyrocketed. They are wondering when Dune: Prophecy takes place in the Dune timeline and whether Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) appears in it.
When does Dune: Prophecy take place in the timeline?
Dune: Prophecy is set around 10,000 years before Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) became the fiefholder of Arrakis. The upcoming series is reportedly a loose adaptation of the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the first entry in the Great Schools of Dune prequel trilogy. The story revolves around the Harkonnen sisters, Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams), as they navigate political intrigues, take on dangerous enemies of humanity, and set up the Bene Gesserit.
In the Dune books, the Bene Gesserit emerged in the chaotic aftermath of the Butlerian Jihad or the Great Revolt, which took place between 201 BG (Before Guild) and 108 BG. For context, Paul Atreides was born in 10176 AG (After Guild).
Will Paul Atreides appear in Dune: Prophecy?
Given that the series takes place 10,000 years before Paul’s time, he is unlikely to appear in it. He can potentially serve as the narrator, but Lady Jessica Atreides (Rebecca Ferguson) is probably more suited for it. As of May 2024, neither Timothee Chalamet nor Ferguson has been announced as part of the show’s cast.
While Paul may not appear in Dune: Prophecy, the Atreides family will have its representation through Keiran Atreides. Portrayed by Chris Mason, Keiran is a Swordmaster who finds himself in complicated circumstances when he forms a bond with a member of the Imperial House Corrino.
