If you’ve ever dived into the Dune universe—whether through the pages of the novels, the dramatic movie adaptations, or by chatting with a fan—you probably know how intricate and layered it all is. Dune is an epic sci-fi world, crafted from thousands of years of political maneuvering, power grabs, and epic conflicts.
So, jumping into Dune: Prophecy, it’s a wild ride packed with its own extensive cast of characters. While it’s set in the familiar universe, this series draws inspiration from Brian Herbert’s Great Schools of Dune, a prequel that takes place long before Paul Atreides steps onto the sands of Arrakis. It’s a vast leap—over 10,000 years into the past, no less—setting the stage with new characters and customs while retaining recognizably illustrious family names. But don’t expect the houses’ circumstances to align with what you already know—they’re entirely fresh yet again.
To help you navigate this new saga, we’ve put together a primer on who you should keep an eye on in Dune: Prophecy and their connections to the wider Dune lore.
[Beware! The following contains spoilers for Season 1 of Dune: Prophecy.]
### The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood
In Prophecy’s opening episode, we glimpse the mysterious Bene Gesserit at a couple of pivotal moments. We are introduced to a young Valya Harkonnen (Jessica Barden in this role), who is summoned to the deathbed of the ailing Mother Superior Raquella. Determined to safeguard the budding Bene Gesserit breeding program, Valya uses her beguiling Voice to force fellow sister Dorotea (Camilla Marie Beeput) into harming herself.
Fast forward thirty years, and the Sisterhood is flourishing. Now, a mature Mother Superior Valya (played by Emily Watson) is fiercely dedicated to upholding the Bene Gesserit’s vision. At her right and left are Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen (Olivia Williams/Emma Canning) and Reverend Mother Kasha (Jihae), the Emperor Corrino’s highly trusted truthsayer.
The Bene Gesserit is home to a cohort of young sisters, some born into it, like Princess Ynez, while others joined later. The intriguing part is that Tula and Valya seem to have special plans for their favorites among these novices.
### House Corrino
Even if the name isn’t immediately familiar, you surely know of House Corrino, the ruling family when the original Dune story unfolds. Embroiled in the galactic politics 10,000 years before, the Corrino lineage here is led by Emperor Javicco (Mark Strong), who frets over his image and his often-strained relationship with his wife, Empress Natalya Arat (Jodhi May). She’s frustrated by the growing chasm between herself and Javicco, urging caution about the influence of the Bene Gesserit.
Yet, there’s hope with the younger generation. Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston), Javicco’s illegitimate son, prefers staying away from the throne’s complications, while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) is fiercely preparing to be an empress—taking up sword fighting, mingling with the Bene Gesserit, and marrying a much younger lad to buy herself some peace.
Sadly, her marriage hits a dark turn, casting uncertainties on the future of House Corrino and the princess’s standing. Javicco’s unease grows as the power dynamics among the great houses shift, underscoring the urgency of forging alliances with key allies.
### The Harkonnen Legacy
Although the pilot doesn’t delve deeply, it hints at the turbulent era for the Harkonnens, who had once fallen from favor after being labeled traitors in the Butlerian Jihad. Their once-prominent standing was tarnished, leading to their exile on a desolate icy world.
Amidst this, Valya and Tula Harkonnen rise within the Bene Gesserit ranks. Another notable Harkonnen, Harrow (Edward Davis), doesn’t yet make a splash but looms in the background with his peculiar interests, like whale farming, not forgoing his striking feature—his hair.
### The Atreides and Beyond
House Atreides only gets a passing mention initially, primarily through Valya’s critical voice-over, challenging the traditional narrative of Atreides heroism against thinking machines. This sets the stage for the infamous Atreides-Harkonnen rivalry.
Kieran Atreides (Chris Mason) surfaces in the narrative as the enigmatic swordmaster to the princess, carving a niche for himself with his martial expertise.
### The Mysterious Desmond Hart
There’s a newcomer, Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), whose allegiance to House Corrino rings clear during his interrogation. He doesn’t shy away from admitting his drastic tactics—murder, justified by the emperor’s interest.
His past is shrouded in mystery, revealing that Shai-hulud claimed his eye, but granted him a strange new sight. When probed about being a prophet, he ambiguously remarks his abilities are both “beautiful” and “terrible.” Kasha and Valya suspect he’s withholding truths, perhaps manipulating the facts. What’s evident? He harbors a fierce disdain for the Sisterhood.
