Dune: The Sisterhood, HBO Max's planned prequel spin-off of Denis Villeneuve's big-screen sci-fi adaptations, began production late last year, but the project has now hit a not insignificant roadblock.
Chernobyl executive producer Johan Renck, who had been tapped to direct the first two episodes, has now exited the project along with star Shirley Henderson, who set to play one of the lead roles of Tula Harkonnen.
Filming is now on pause for at least 7 months as replacements are sought.
“As Dune: The Sisterhood (wt) has entered a pre-scheduled hiatus, there are some creative changes being made to the production in an effort to create the best series possible and stay true to the source material,” a spokesperson tells Deadline. “Johan Renck has completed his work on the series and a new director will be brought on; through mutual agreement, Johan is moving on to pursue other projects. Additionally, Shirley Henderson will be exiting the series and will no longer be playing Tula Harkonnen.”
Though no official reason was given, sources indicate that Renck's "auteur approach did not jibe with the streamer’s vision for the series and was a departure from the look of Denis Villeneuve’s films."
It's unclear if Henderson stepping away is related to this, but the trade notes that the delay is "wreaking havoc on actors’ schedules, creating potential conflicts that may lead to more exits and recastings."
SFFGazette.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.