Deadline reports that Emily Watson (Chernobyl) and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter) are set to lead the cast of HBO Max's upcoming Dune spin-off, Dune: The Sisterhood.
The trade confirms that the show, which is based on Frank Herbert’s classic novel, 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.
We're getting a deep dive into Dune lore then, and Watson and Henderson have been tapped to play Valya Harkonnen and Tula Harkonnen, respectively, the formidable Harkonnen Sisters. In this story, they have risen to power in the Sisterhood, a secret organization of women who will go on to become 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, and Dune helmer Denis Villeneuve is also executive producing.
Watson will next be seen in Quicksand and Late in Summer, while Henderson has Masterpiece and The Trouble With Jessica on the horizon. This probably isn't the casting news many Dune fans expected, but The Sisterhood now has its leads, and they're undeniably talented.
Production on Dune: Part Two has already begun, of course, and that movie will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
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.