The title of the first episode of Dune: Prophecy says it all: The Hidden Hand. Although it is not explicitly defined as a specific concept in the universe of the franchise, it is safe to assume that it can be interpreted in the context of the intricate political and social dynamics of the series’ universe. The “hidden hand” generally refers to the unseen forces and manipulations that influence events and outcomes in the Dune universe, and these forces include political machinations, secret organizations, and strategic maneuvers by individuals and groups behind the scenes.

As we know, the series will focus on the formation of the Bene Gesserit, a secret brotherhood with its own long-term plans, which often acts as a “hidden hand” influencing political and genetic outcomes over the generations. On the other hand, it could include the power games between the Great Houses, such as House Atreides and House Harkonnen, which involve layers of deception and strategy that can be considered a “hidden hand” at work.

In any case, the concept highlights the theme of control and manipulation that runs through the story, where the characters must navigate a complex web of alliances, betrayals, and hidden agendas. Understanding these underlying forces is crucial to survival and success in the world of Dune.

The cast, which highlights Mark Strong, Travis Fimmel, and especially Olivia Willams and Emily Watson, goes back about 10,000 years before the events of Dune to recount the split between the Atreides and Harkonnens, as well as the influence of the Bene Gesserit in the universe.

One of the details of the series that premieres on November 17 is that we will have flashbacks – or at least a race through time – as there are young versions of the main actresses of the sect. Yes, we will see how Valya Harkonnen will experience the downfall of her family and plan her revenge.

The young versions of Valya and Tulya Harkonnen will be played by Jessica Barden and Emma Canning, respectively. Valya will eventually be the leader of the Sisterhood and Tula the Reverend Mother.

At the beginning of the story, Valya is not yet the leader of the sisterhood, even with her ambitions defined. She is the strategist of the family, will be the second Reverend Mother Superior of the Bene Gesserit Order for quite some time and we will see how she will ascend, not necessarily in the cleanest way.

Valya is determined to put a Sister on the throne of the Empire and will do anything to make that happen. And Tula, extremely loyal to her sister, carries out even the most unthinkable orders for the good of House Harkonnen.

Also among the Bene Gesserits, we have Indian star Tabu playing the adult version of Sister Francesca, a powerful Bene Gesserit who is also the former lover of Emperor Javicco Corrino (Strong). Her return to the palace “tensions the balance of power in the capital.” The young version of Francesca was entrusted to actress Charithra Chandran.

Also notable among the women is South Korean actress, musician and multimedia artist Jihae who will play Reverend Mother Kasha Jinjo (actress Yerin Ha will play her as a young woman). In the present, Kasha is the Truthsayer and confidant of Emperor Javicco Corrino. But she will be led to question the intentions of the Bene Gesserit, in a complex and dangerous position in the scheme of things, especially when her loyalty to the Sisterhood is challenged.

The other sisters are Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham), “a fierce and unpredictable acolyte in training at the Sisterhood School who rarely reveals her emotional core”; Sister Emeline (Aoife Hinds); “a zealous acolyte descended from a long line of martyrs, who brings a fervent religion to her Sisterhood training”; Lila (Chloe Lea), “the youngest acolyte at the Sisterhood School with a deep empathy beyond her years; and Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka), “a talented and ambitious Sisterhood acolyte who harbors a dangerous secret about her past.”

Actress Jodhi May will play Empress Natalya, “a formidable royal who united thousands of worlds in her marriage to Emperor Corrino, a man from a great line of wartime Emperors who is called to rule the Empire and manage a fragile peace.”

They are the parents of Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), “an independent young princess dealing with the pressures of her responsibility as heir to the Golden Lion Throne.” Javicco is also the father of Constantine Corrino (Josh Heuston), who is the illegitimate son of the Emperor and Sister Francesca. The young man is “torn between seeking his father’s approval and his own happiness.”

Actress Shalom Brune-Franklin will play Mikaela, “a strong-willed Fremen woman who serves the royal family while yearning for a homeworld she has never known,” and Travis Fimmel, as we know, will play The big highlight this season is Desmond Hart, a soldier with an enigmatic past who opposes the Brotherhood, gaining the Emperor as an ally but Valya as an enemy.

From Houses Artreides and Harkonnen we will have Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason), “a Master Swordsman of a Great House whose ambition to live up to his family name is interrupted when he forms an unexpected connection with a member of the royal family.” Yes, it’s Princess Inez, who is married to another.

On the Harkonnen side, in addition to Valya and Tula, we will have Yevgeny Harkonnen (Mark Addy), a descendant of Abulurd Harkonnen who, because of his ancestor’s betrayal during the Battle of Corrin, was born dishonored in exile. Duke Saudir II Harkonnen made him Count of Hirtius, returned him to civilized space, and gave him a small estate on the planet Powys in the Mandalay Sector, but he dreams of returning his family’s prestige.

Valya and Tula’s brother, Harrow Harkonnen (Edward Davis), is “a rising politician from a once-great family, who also harbors a strong desire to restore his House to its former glory.”

Are we ready?

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