If you’re familiar with the Dune series—whether through the books, movies, or just by chatting with a fan—you know it’s a universe with a complex tapestry. It’s a sprawling sci-fi world woven with thousands of years of royal politics, cunning power moves, and the inevitable clash of violence and manipulation.
That complexity carries over into Dune: Prophecy, which has its own ensemble of characters. Although it shares the universe we know, this adaptation of Brian Herbert’s Great Schools of Dune series leaps us ahead by 10,000 years, long before Paul Atreides makes his dramatic entrance on Arrakis. While you’ll recognize some family names, the scenarios they find themselves in are markedly different.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the key figures in Dune: Prophecy and connect the dots to the overarching Dune lore.
Let’s begin with the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood, a mystical and influential group at the heart of the Dune universe. In the early episodes of Prophecy, we meet Valya Harkonnen (initially portrayed by Jessica Barden), who steps up as a sister for a pivotal mission beside Mother Superior Raquella’s deathbed. To safeguard their fledgling breeding program, Valya resorts to using the Voice—a powerful manipulation tool—on fellow sister Dorotea, forcing a dramatic and tragic outcome.
Fast forward three decades, and we find the Sisterhood flourishing. Now-Mother Superior Valya, played by Emily Watson, remains laser-focused on the Bene Gesserit’s ambitions. She’s not alone; Reverend Mothers Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams) and Kasha (Jihae) lend their wisdom. Kasha, as the trusted truthsayer, holds sway over Emperor Corrino.
The young sisters in the Bene Gesserit enclave are intriguing. Their pasts vary—some raised within the Sisterhood, others joining later. Princess Ynez is among them, and Tula and Valya appear to have crafted plans for their promising protégées.
Turning our spotlight to House Corrino, we find this dominant family steering the Imperium’s destiny. You likely recall the Corrino name as Emperor Shaddam IV in Dune 2. Here, however, the timeline veers back 10 millennia, revealing a different empire under Emperor Javicco (Mark Strong). His reign appears fragile, prompting political maneuvers like arranging his daughter’s marriage. Trust issues simmer with Empress Natalya Arat (Jodhi May), who feels their unity slipping away. She urges Princess Ynez, her daughter, to balance her involvement with the Bene Gesserit.
Emperor Javicco’s concerns seem well-founded. Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston), his once-removed son, doesn’t covet the throne but takes on family duties. Princess Ynez, meanwhile, prepares for empresshood through combat training, Sacred lineage with the Bene Gesserit, and a strategic, albeit unusual, child marriage.
Family politics shift when tragedy strikes—much to Javicco’s chagrin, the empire is vulnerable as power plays unfold among the houses. A strategic alliance might be vital for restoring stability.
Although Harkonnens don’t dominate the pilot’s narrative, we know the family’s rocky history: the fallout from being branded traitors by Atreides during the Butlerian Jihad left their status diminished. Now exiled to an icy realm, characters like Valya and Tula climb the Bene Gesserit ranks. There’s Harrow Harkonnen (Edward Davis), whose mundane discussions like whale farming hardly capture the intrigue expected from his lineage.
House Atreides remains largely in the backdrop for now, with minimal mention beyond Valya’s whispered disdain. The feud lingers in subtext, hinting at a deep-rooted rivalry far predating the future epic battles.
Yet, even this early into Prophecy, Kieran Atreides (Chris Mason), the princess’s swordmaster, subtly anchors his house’s presence.
Lastly, Desmond Hart is a character whose allegiance to House Corrino is unshakeable—at least on the surface. When questioned, he affirms his loyalty to the Imperium, explaining away his drastic actions, including killing a young noble and a Reverend Mother. There’s a veil of mystery over his character, hinted at through cryptic assertions of a gift from Shai-hulud after a personal sacrifice.
Hart’s enigma deepens with assertions of extraordinary, albeit ambiguous abilities. As suspicions about his allegiance and true intentions burgeon, one certainty stands clear: his disdain for the Sisterhood is palpable.
In sum, Dune: Prophecy sets up a rich tableau of alliances and grudges as it delves into this sprawling sci-fi saga.
