Those of you who have seen the 2021 movie Dune (or Dune: Part One) will already be familiar with the name Bene Gesserit. Though the inner workings of the sect aren’t explored in depth, its members play an important part in the story.
You should recognise Lady Jessica (played by actor Rebecca Ferguson), the concubine of Duke Leto Atreides (Oscar Isaac) and the mother of the film’s protagonist, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). Her role in the plot is significant; however, she won’t be involved in that of Dune: The Sisterhood.
What Is Dune: The Sisterhood About?
Based on the prequel novel Sisterhood Of Dune, which was written by Brian Herbert (the son of series creator Frank Herbert) and Kevin J. Anderson, the Dune TV series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit.
The narrative takes place 10,000 years before the events of Dune: Part One, and it abandons House Atreides to focus on two Harkonnen sisters, Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula. In their mission to protect humanity from all that might endanger it, the pair establish the Bene Gesserit.
What Is The Bene Gesserit?
The Bene Gesserit (also known as the Sisterhood) is one of the most intriguing groups in Herbert’s sci-fi universe, joining the likes of the Spacing Guild and the Sardaukar. They are pseudo-religious in nature, though their mission — to guide humanity into a better future by bringing forth their chosen one, the Kwisatz Haderach — is firmly based in reality.
Through its influence of politics, the Bene Gesserit maintains power, with many of its members being installed as concubines and wives to rulers of the Great Houses. Having a Bene Gesserit on one’s side is considered exceedingly valuable, as they each possesses superhuman powers, including the Voice (which allows the user to give commands that cannot be disobeyed) and control over their own fertility (useful for controlling the Bene Gesserit breeding program, the outcome of which is intended to be their messiah).
Who Is Involved With Dune: The Sisterhood?
Villeneuve is said to have been directly involved in the early stages of the show’s development. In fact, he was supposed to direct the first two episodes, but his commitment to Dune: Part Two meant that he had to pass the responsibility to Johan Renck, who had previously worked on the HBO miniseries Chernobyl.
As mentioned, Watson is playing one of the leading roles, Valya, but the part of Tula has yet to find a replacement actor after Shirley Henderson (who was going to star) departed the project.
Travis Fimmel is positioned to be the male lead, stepping into the shoes of Desmond Hart, described as an enigmatic soldier willing to act against the interests of the Bene Gesserit to gain the Emperor’s favour. The emperor in question? Javicco Corrino (played by Mark Strong), the man whose responsibility it is to maintain the delicate peace of the Imperium. He comes from the same line as his descendant Shaddam IV, who rules during the time of Dune: Part One.
Other talent tapped to appear in Dune: The Sisterhood are Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia (an acolyte of the Bene Gesserit hiding a dangerous secret about her past), Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides (a Great House’s Swordsmaster with a connection to the royal family), Indira Varma as Empress Natalya, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez, Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Chloe Lea as Lila, Josh Heuston as Constantine, and Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen.
When Will Dune: The Sisterhood Release?
The Bene Gesserit TV show has faced many setbacks since it was announced way back in 2019, and it is for that reason that we still don’t have a confirmed Dune: The Sisterhood release date.
Assuming that all goes to plan, we might expect to experience this corner of the Dune-iverse at some point in 2024, but there are no guarantees. We’d suggest that for now, you enjoy Villeneuve’s two-part Dune adaptation.
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