Deadline (via SFFGazette.com) has revealed that Dune: The Sisterhood (which is only the show's working title at the moment) will begin shooting in Budapest, Hungary, in November.
It's worth noting that the HBO Max series will be in production at the same time as Dune: Part Two. Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve is currently in Budapest's Origo Studios, the same location they shot a big chunk of the first movie. Could we see a "crossover" of sorts? It's not outside the realm of possibility.
After previously casting Emily Watson and Shirley Henderson, it's also been confirmed that Obi-Wan Kenobi and Game of Thrones star Indira Varma has now joined them. That's a noteworthy casting addition to the project, and it's said she'll play Empress Natalya, "a formidable royal who united thousands of worlds in her marriage to Emperor Corrino."
Varma is also known for her work in The Legend of Vox Machina and The Capture, and will soon be seen alongside Tom Cruise in next year's Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning - Part One.
There's a lot of excitement among fans to see the Dune franchise expand in this way, particularly after the first movie's dual theatrical/HBO Max release stopped it from taking the box office by storm. However, a huge amount critical acclaim and awards success followed, ensuring it would have a future beyond that first instalment.
Based on Frank Herbert’s classic novel, Dune: The Sisterhood 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.
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 will direct the premiere episode and executive produce, while Villeneuve is also executive producing.
It's set to be released in theaters on November 17, 2023, though there's currently no word on when we'll see Dune: The Sisterhood on HBO Max.