What is the real-life inspiration behind Dune: Prophecy? Explained

Modified Nov 12, 2024 15:06 GMT

Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen (Image via YouTube/Warner Bros. UK & Ireland)

Dune: Prophecy is an upcoming HBO sci-fi series set 10,000 years before the main events of the Dune movies. Premiering November 17, 2024, on Max, this prequel explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, a prominent group in the Dune universe. The main characters are two Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula, who confront and manipulate the forces of humanity.

Inspired by the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, the series stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams in lead roles. The show's central themes revolve around power, loyalty, and survival within a complex universe. There are multiple real-life inspirations behind the plot and characters of Dune: Prophecy.

The show's portrayal of the Corrino royal family draws parallels to the last Russian imperial family, the Romanovs, and their association with the mystic monk Grigori Rasputin. Rasputin's history can be seen as an inspiration for Travis Fimmel's Desmond Hart. Furthermore, the relationship between the Harkonnen sisters echoes the dynamic of Elizabeth I and her sisters of the Tudor dynasty.

Who are the inspiration behind Dune: Prophecy characters?

The real-life inspiration behind Dune: Prophecy comes from various historical and literary sources. Sisterhood of Dune itself draws from Frank Herbert's original Dune series, which was greatly influenced by Lesley Blanch's 1960 non-fiction work The Sabres of Paradise.

The Sabres of Paradise tells the story of resistance leader Imam Shamil, who fought against the Russian army imperialism in the Caucasus. Herbert's character of the "Muad'dib" in Dune draws from Shamil's real-life persona.

The fall of the Romanov dynasty and their connections with Grigori Rasputin were the major inspiration for Dune: Prophecy. The Romanovs were Russia's last imperial family, and the Corrino royal family can be seen as a parallel to them.

Rasputin's influence over the Romanov Royal family is considered a major reason for their downfall. A mystic having so much power over the royals did not sit right with their subjects, leading to multiple speculations regarding his role in court. Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart is similar to Rasputin, as seen from Jodhi May's (who portrays Empress Natalya Arat) statement:

"It just made me think of the Romanovs in Russia, this royal family where there's a kind of Rasputin figure who comes in, and power gets divested to this character who is so problematic."

Other inspirations from the British Royal family

Besides the Russian Royal family, the characters and actors also drew inspiration from several members of the British Royal lineage. The bloody history of the Tudor dynasty was an inspiration for Watson and Williams in playing the Harkonnen sisters.

According to slashfilm.com, Olivia Williams elaborated on this by saying,

"We felt the connection was with the Tudor court was that one powerful sister could write, 'I love you,' with the same pen that she signs a death warrant."

She added,

"And that can be your sister or your cousin or your direst enemy, or indeed your husband."

Furthermore, Josh Heuston (Constantine Corrino) commented that he got insight from Prince Harry's autobiography, Spare, on the pressure and expectations that come with nobility.

The plot and the cast

VIP Screening of Dune: Prophecy (Image via Getty)

The official synopsis for the series reads,

"Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit."

Developed by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, the show stars the following actors in prominent roles: