When HBO released the trailer for Dune: Prophecy, it felt as though the world had discovered a renewed sense of purpose. Fans of the Dune universe were excited, their imaginations racing with the promise of an epic miniseries. Premiering on November 17 on HBO and Max, the six-episode season quickly stirred a frenzy of excitement. Adapted from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, Dune: Prophecy is set an astounding 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides. The series delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the enigmatic and powerful sisterhood whose influence shapes the galaxy's destiny. With a stellar cast featuring Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloé Lea, and Jessica Barden, the series promises a gripping narrative filled with intrigue, mysticism, and power struggles.  ‘Dune: Prophecy’ Episode 1 Review: No Tabu for Respite As ‘Dune’ Prequel Series Takes Off to a Clunky Start (LatestLY Exclusive).

Now that the series has been released, critics have delivered their opinions. Let’s see if it’s worth your time or if you should give it a miss.

Moneycontrol:  Everything from the sword fighting scene between Princess Ynez and her half-brother to the visions of Mother Kasha falls entirely flat. You don't want to see what happens next because you don't care much about what has happened already. Must prequels be like this? A straight-up cash grab opportunity meant to capitalize on the popularity of an already revered franchise (looking at you, House of the Dragon)? In what can be called a double whammy of sorts, Tabu does not appear as Sister Francesca in the first episode. While this review is based only on the first episode of Dune: Prophecy, the show (s0 far) looks like a slogfest through and through. Yes, it is entirely possible that over the course of the remaining episodes, Dune: Prophecy might have a 180 degree turn but, well, that's just wishful thinking.

Yahoo Lifestyle Canada: But as the episodes wore on, it became obvious that this series is doomed by comparison. The first is its HBO stablemate, House of the Dragon (and Game of Thrones before it). Dune: Prophecy is clearly being positioned as an alternative to that franchise, though I do not think that anyone involved in Westeros has much to worry about. No one in Dune: Prophecy is having as much fun as Matt Smith or emoting as miserably as Emma D’Arcy. And for whatever House of the Dragon’s faults – a little ponderous, a little repetitive – it had a distinctive look and feel. Mostly though I wanted to see something cool: a spaceship, a sandworm, a… smile (no jokes in this series). Instead, Dune: Prophecy is a little spiceless. 'Dune - Prophecy' Teaser 2: Don't Miss Tabu's Cameo in New Promo; HBO Series Gets November Streaming Date (Watch Video).

Dune Prophecy Trailer

Variety: The cast of “Prophecy” is sprawling and not equally well served; a subplot about a generic-seeming rebellion against the Emperor is vague and extraneous, and despite some lengthy sex scenes, the would-be romances lack spark. The show is nonetheless a broad enough canvas to explore widely and develop competing points of view — and hand a platform to decorated pros like Watson and Williams, who give their all to each imperious, veil-piercing stare.

IndiaToday: Dune: Prophecy is a fascinating addition to the Dune universe, offering rich lore and complex storytelling for long-time fans while attempting to welcome new viewers. While it occasionally struggles under the weight of its own ambition, the series captures the spirit of the universe through its themes, performances, and visual splendour.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 18, 2024 08:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).