It was last year when we first learned that Emily Watson (Chernobyl) and Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter) had been chosen to lead the cast of Max's upcoming Dune spin-off, Dune: The Sisterhood.
At the time, it was confirmed that the TV series - inspired by 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.
Clearly meant as a deep dive into Dune lore, Watson and Henderson were being lined up to play Valya Harkonnen and Tula Harkonnen, respectively, the formidable Harkonnen Sisters. In this story, it's said they've risen to power in the Sisterhood, a secret organization of women who will go on to become the Bene Gesserit.
While Watson remains attached to the project, it's now been confirmed (via SFFGazette.com) that The Crown star Olivia Willaims will take over from Henderson after her exit from the show in February,
Also boarding Dune: The Sisterhood is Jodhi May (The Witcher) as Natalya; she replaces Obi-Wan Kenobi and Game of Thrones star Indira Varma as a result of apparent scheduling conflicts which saw her leave the series.
We've also learned that Anna Foerster (Lou) will helm multiple episodes, including the premiere, following Johan Renck's exit earlier this year. Diane Ademu-John is taking charge of the show as creator, writer, co-showrunner and executive producer, while Dune helmer Denis Villeneuve is also executive producing.
The series is actually adapted from the novel Sisterhood of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.
Dune: Part Two, meanwhile, will be released later this year and explores 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 endeavours to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
That'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 Max.