As a veteran gamer with countless hours spent navigating the vast galaxies of space operas and sci-fi universes, I can confidently say that the latest HBO series, Dune: Prophecy, has managed to keep me hooked despite its unusual choice of setting. While Arrakis may be conspicuously absent from most scenes, it’s clear that this tiny desert planet is anything but insignificant.
The images of the barren deserts of Arrakis, known for their valuable spice and colossal sandworms, are deeply embedded in science fiction lore. This planet, nicknamed Dune, gives its name to the franchise. However, in the upcoming HBO series “Dune: Prophecy,” Arrakis plays a minor role, with most of the action occurring on other planets like the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood’s headquarters, the opulent Corrino homeworld, and the icy abode of the banished Harkonnen family. Despite its minimal physical presence, Arrakis remains crucial to the storyline in “Dune: Prophecy,” by being integral to the plot, underscoring the importance of spice, and highlighting the devastating power of sandworms.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
In a conversation with Alison Schapker, who is both a producer, writer, and showrunner for the series, Game Rant learned about the difficulties in crafting a narrative within the Dune universe without focusing on the famous planet. The unique nature of Dune: Prophecy can be seen in its striking visuals and mood, which significantly differ from Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies, which mainly stay on the desert world of Arrakis. However, it’s essential to remember that this small planet maintains a powerful hold over the entire Imperium throughout the series.
Spice Is Everywhere, So Arrakis Is Everywhere
In an explanation of why only a few scenes would take place on Arrakis, Schapker pointed out that the planet’s significance didn’t hinge on its physical presence. He stated, “The power of spice and Arrakis extends far beyond its borders.” For millennia before the stories in Frank Herbert’s Dune novels, a substance known as melange, or “spice,” has been incredibly valuable due to its ability to enable space travel, unlock extraordinary human abilities such as precognition, and offer an unparalleled psychedelic experience.
In the storyline, despite the characters seldom going to Arrakis, spice is a persistent element. Characters like Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston) and his sister Ynez (Sarah-Sophie Boussnina), who are young and rebellious, often use spice as a form of defiance against their strict societal norms. The Bene Gesserit employ spice to unleash the potential of novices and Reverend Mothers alike. Furthermore, House Harkonnen’s ambition to control the spice trade is evident even thousands of years before Baron Vladimir Harkonnen rose to power.
One Small Planet Has So Much Political Importance
In the series “Dune: Prophecy,” each decision taken by Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) and his wife Empress Natalya (Jodhi May), including which families to forge alliances with and who to marry off their daughter Princess Ynez, is shaped significantly by the strategic importance of Arrakis and its precious spice. Explaining Arrakis’ influence on the political landscape, Schapker stated:
[Arrakis] serves as a canvas for people’s imaginations, and I believe there’s a significant amount of personal projections, fears, and myth-building associated with it. Our aim was to experience the chilling tale of Arrakis while also incorporating the genuine political and economic power that Arrakis wields into our narrative. This influence of Arrakis extends beyond its physical boundaries, shaping life within the Imperium in such a deep and meaningful way.
Although Arrakis might not be frequently depicted, it permeates throughout. A soldier, after his stint at war on the barren planet, undergoes a profound transformation. The Bene Gesserit initiates are tormented by chilling visions of Shai-Hulud, the formidable sandworms. House Richese manipulates Arrakis in its negotiations with the Emperor, while House Harkonnen secretly covets it. The TV series ‘Dune: Prophecy’ seldom transports us to the sands of the famous planet, yet it consistently reminds viewers that this tale is deeply rooted in the sands of Dune. In every scene and episode, it becomes evident that this is indeed a ‘Dune’ narrative, and the Imperium’s events are all dictated by one unwavering principle: the spice must always be harvested.
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2024-11-15 23:24