In the fourth of six episodes, the sci-fi series Dune: Prophecy has a surprise in store: it imparts knowledge that will be important for Denis Villeneuve’s movie sequel Dune 3.
The series Dune: Prophecy, currently running on Sky and WOW, is set in the same universe as Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Dune. However, it takes place 10,000 years earlier and is dedicated to the “witch” order of the Bene Gesserit. Nevertheless, the series builds an unexpected bridge to the upcoming movie Dune 3 in episode 4 this week.
Transformation in the Dune universe: the end of episode 4 of Dune Prophecy explains
Despite sandworms and parallels to the galactic empire of the houses Corrino, Atreides and Harkonnen, the series debut of Dune: Prophecy did not convince everyone. Nevertheless, the prequel has exciting facets that could become important for the future of the sci-fi series in the cinema in the course of the plot. At least that’s what the transformative appearance at the end of episode 4, which is titled “Twice Born,” suggests.
In the last few minutes of the episode, Bene Gesserit Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka) displays an amazing talent: before the eyes of Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson), she becomes his brother Griffin Harkonnen. While Valya seems unsurprised, the physical transformation is likely to cause quite a stir among Dune fans who know the books.
Sci-Fi Threat: Who are the Tleilaxu in the Dune Universe?
Whether Dune: Prophecy’s appearance of its shape-shifter indicates that this ability once originated in the ranks of the Bene Gesserit is difficult to assess at this point in the sci-fi series. What is certain, however, is that the Face Dancers play a crucial role as antagonists in Dune 3.
The order of the shape-shifters bears the name Bene Tleilax in the times of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet). The Tleilaxu are a group of secretive, genetically modified humans from the planet Tleilax. They are the ideal spies, assassins and masters of manipulation. They also create clones, which will also cause a stir in the sequel.
Fancast moment: Ralph Fiennes as Scytale.
The third & final piece in my DuneMessiah character concepts.
The Face Dancer of the Bene Tleilax and even though I hesitate to call him the villain, he’s definitely the main antagonist of this chapter. https://t.co/sYNwLFwU5m pic.twitter.com/7haRRq42AF— Bartos Gyorgy (@bartosgyorgy) October 26, 2024
If Dune 3 follows the plot of the book, an assassination attempt on Paul as the new ruler of the desert planet is planned in it. The conspirators include Bene Gesserit Mother Superior Helen Mohiam, a member of the fish-like Space Guild, and a Tleilaxu shape-shifter: Scytale, who was played by Martin McDougall in the 2003 miniseries Children of Dune.
Since the Bene Tleilax have not yet been mentioned in Villeneuve’s work, Dune: Prophecy is therefore a trailblazer in introducing them and their uncanny gift to the sci-fi universe. This gives the series audience a head start over movie-only viewers, who will be amazed to see their first shape-shifter in Dune 3 when the movie is expected to be released in 2026.
