Deadline (via SFFGazette.com) reports that Emily Watson (Chernobyl) and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter) are set to lead the cast of HBO Max's planned Dune spinoff, Dune: The Sisterhood.
The trade confirms that the show, which is based on Frank Herbert’s classic novel, is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides and follows the Harkonnen Sisters, played by Watson and Henderson, as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.
We can look forward to a deep dive into Dune lore then, and Watson and Henderson have been tapped to play Valya Harkonnen and Tula Harkonnen, respectively, the formidable Harkonnen Sisters. In this story, they have risen to power in the Sisterhood, a secret organization of women who will go on to become the Bene Gesserit.
Diane Ademu-John is taking charge of the show as creator, writer, co-showrunner and executive producer, while Alison Schapker serves as co-showrunner and executive producer. Johan Renck has been chosen to direct the premiere episode and executive produce, and Dune helmer Denis Villeneuve is also executive producing.
Watson will next be seen in Quicksand and Late in Summer, while Henderson has Masterpiece and The Trouble With Jessica on the horizon. These are definitely somewhat unconventional casting decisions for the show's leads, but these two are undeniably talented and this is a great start to what promises to be a must-see expansion of the Dune franchise.
Production on Dune: Part Two has already begun, and that movie will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavours to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
It's set to be released in theaters on November 17, 2023, though there's currently no word on when we'll be able to watch Dune: The Sisterhood on HBO Max.