Of course, John Harrison’s Dune series is not quite as complex as the convoluted original novel. And some of the most notorious developments don’t appear in it either. For example, Paul’s son does not, as described in the book Children of Dune, become a sandworm hybrid who rules over the desert planet as a god-ruler for thousands of years. And you should also be able to excuse the 20-year-old series CGI in order to enjoy the series.
Are you just waiting for Dune: Part Two in the cinema and wondering what happens next in Frank Herbert’s multi-part sci-fi saga? Then we’ve got a tip for you on how you can get a taste of Dune 3 without having to read the novel.
After the 80s cinema flop Dune – The Desert Planet, the American Sci Fi Channel set about adapting the material for television. This began in 2000 with the three-part mini-series Dune – The Desert Planet, which roughly corresponds to the original novel. Just three years later, it continued with Children of Dune, which also took up the follow-up novel Dune: Messiah and parts of the fourth novel in three episodes.
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Dune: Where the sci-fi story continues
The mini-series Children of Dune picks up 12 years after the events of the original story. Paul Atreides (Alec Newman) still rules over the desert planet Arrakis, where the drug Spice, which is important for space travel, is cultivated. But his reign is threatened by a brewing conspiracy. The mystical women of the Bene Gesserit, as well as the Space Guild, the devout Tleilaxu and even some Fremen want to topple Paul from the throne.
After another time jump, the twins Leto II (James McAvoy) and Ganima (Jessica Brooks), who were born to Paul’s concubine Chani (Barbora Kodetová), have grown up. They too become the target of a plot against the ruling Atreides family, which presumably stems from the inner circle.
Should the returned Lady Jessica (Alice Krige) not be trusted as a member of the Bene Gesserit? Does the greater danger come from Aunt Alia (Daniela Amavia), who is influenced by the consciousness of Baron Harkonnen (Ian McNeice)? Or should we keep an eye on Princess Wensicia (Susan Sarandon), the daughter of the fallen Emperor, who represents House Corrino?
Of course, John Harrison’s Dune series is not quite as complex as the convoluted original novel. And some of the most notorious developments don’t appear in it either. For example, Paul’s son does not, as described in the book Children of Dune, become a sandworm hybrid who rules over the desert planet as a god-ruler for thousands of years. And you should also be able to excuse the 20-year-old series CGI in order to enjoy the series.
What’s next in the Dune universe?
Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve wants to complete his current Dune trilogy, if Warner and Legendary will let him. However, the next installment is not expected before 2027, even if the green light for the sequel is given immediately.
If you want a fresh dose of Dune sooner, you should keep an eye on the upcoming sci-fi series program. Later this year, the prequel series Dune: The Prophecy will finally be released on the HBO streaming service Max. It revolves around the Order of the Bene Gesserit and is based on the novel Sisterhood of Dune by son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
