The first reviews for Dune: Prophecy are here. Image source: Warner Bros./Legendary Television
With Dune: Prophecy, the first series from Frank Herbert’s universe will soon be published and for the first time we will not be following the life of Paul Atreides.
Now the first reviews for episodes 1-4 are finally here and They promise good approaches, but without a breath of fresh air.
Small spoiler warning! A few details from the series can be revealed below.
Back to the roots of the sisterhood
Am 18. November 2024 The prequel series Dune: Prophecy will be released in this country on Sky and the in-house streaming provider WOW.
The show is set 10,000 years before the existence of the main character from the films Paul Atreides. In order to ensure a stable government, the two Harkonnen sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams) found the order of the Bene Gesserit.
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Dune: Prophecy is looking more and more like a sci-fi version of Game of Thrones
A good start, but nothing more?
On IMDb The series currently receives an impressive 8.0 stars from 296 reviews. Dune: Prophecy has a critic score of 73 percent Rotten Tomatoes a little worse off. An audience score will follow there as soon as the series has been published. At the moment it is up Metacritic no reviews yet.
As a reminder again: The press was only allowed to watch the first four of a total of six episodes in advance. Which is why the opinions don’t relate to the grand finale of the series.
What do critics like about Dune: Prophecy? The series has potential and some exciting elements in its plot.
What don’t they like? The film’s own world structure is perceived as “too complex” and the subplots are described as “boring” by critics. There are also too many characters.
Dune: Prophecy reviews at a glance
The Hollywood Reporter
»[…] I’ve found myself getting more and more into the series over time. Maybe by the end of the first season I’ll be hooked. But at the moment everything could use a little more spice.” Here’s the full review
The Wrap
“This is not only good television, but also the beginning of a promising new epic that not even the Bene Gesserit could fully foresee.” Here’s the full review
Entertainment Weekly (Rating: B+)
»Dune: Prophecy is a solid foray into the vastness of the Dune Universe. Long may the Bene Gesserit reign.” Here’s the full review
IGN (Rating: 5/10)
»Many of the more character-driven elements of the story are exciting, and Jessica Barden, Emily Watson, Emma Canning and Olivia Williams are great as the ancestors of House Harkonnen. But the lack of a coherent vision means the prequel series cannot live up to the quality expectations set by the previous books and films.« Here’s the full review
The Collider (Rating: 7/10)
»At the time of Dune and Dune: Part Two It’s hard to feel sorry for the Harkonnen. But Prophecy offers a nuanced look at this despised house that manages to show them in a fascinating light that goes beyond sadistic and despotic rulers.« Here’s the full review
Empire (Rating: 3/5 stars)
»It’s a mixed start for the first Dune spin-off, which can’t quite break away from Denis Villeneuve’s shadow. But patience may be rewarded, for the Bene Gesserit’s plans are, after all, measured in centuries.” Here’s the full review
IndieWire (Rating: C)
“We’ve seen similar problems with many other prequels, sequels and spin-offs, where the urgent need to show audiences what they already love trumps any chance of creating something new.” Here’s the full review
Total Film (Rating: 2/5 stars)
»Maybe we’re just tired of the subgenre, or maybe Dune: Prophecy just isn’t enough to compete with other series. Either way, at this point someone may have to use “the voice” to get us to finish watching the show.” Here’s the full review
RollingStone
“Even diehards Dune Fans will feel that the series, at least in the four of six episodes made available to the press, keeps getting tangled up in its own mythology. Here’s the full review
The first reviews of Dune: Prophecy are rather sobering, but at least the final two episodes are still missing. They could possibly correct the course direction, but certainly not completely improve the overall impression.
Director Denis Villeneuve is currently in the writing process for Dune 3, ahead of schedule. If you would like to find out more about it, take a look at the article linked above.
