Dune: Prophecy season 2 – Release date speculation and latest news

Based on the Dune prequel novel Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert (Frank Herbert's son) and Kevin J Anderson, the HBO series is set 10,000 years before the conflict between Paul Atreides and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, and revolves around an entirely new set of characters.

We follow Harkonnen sisters Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams) as they battle an "existential threat" to the Sisterhood.

The season 2 renewal news was announced on Thursday (19th December) during a virtual press conference with showrunner Alison Schapker, and stars Olivia Williams and Emily Watson.

With the final episode out now, read on for everything you need to know about Dune: Prophecy season 2.

Dune: Prophecy season 2 release date speculation

A premiere date is yet to be revealed but, given that the series has only just been renewed, a second season of Dune: Prophecy is unlikely to materialise until late 2025 or even some point in 2026.

At the time of the season 2 renewal, Sarah Aubrey, head of Max original programming, said: "Dune: Prophecy has captivated audiences around the globe thanks to the visionary leadership of showrunner and executive producer Alison Schapker, who will continue to guide this grand tale of truth and power.

"We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Legendary and to our extraordinary cast and crew for their service to the Imperium. We’re excited to collaborate with this team again to see what they have in store."

Jason Clodfelter, Legendary’s president of television, added: "This new season will allow us to continue building out the groundbreaking, epic Dune franchise that has captivated audiences worldwide across its instalments.

"We look forward to continuing our incredible partnership with HBO and are thrilled for Alison Schapker, her team, and the cast and crew who have worked so passionately to bring this world-class source material from Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson to life."

The minds behind the series previously opened up about revealed they have plans to continue the story.

Showrunner Schapker told Screen Rant there are plans for a "multi-season journey", while executive producer Jordan Goldberg added of the show's characters: "Their moves are generational. They are in the long game, so there's plenty of story to tell."

Meanwhile, the cast had been open about their hopes to continue the story. Asked whether he'd like to return to the world of Dune, Chris Mason, who plays Keiran Atreides, told RadioTimes.com: "That's a resounding yes."

He added: "Aside from it being Dune and a huge show... it was also such a great place to work. We had such a great cast and everyone got on so well."

Travis Fimmel, who plays Desmond Hart, added: "I'd love to. It was very enjoyable and the writers are very collaborative... there would be plenty of worse things to do!"

Jodhi May, who plays Empress Natalya, added: "I think it's great when you leave a season 1 and you think, 'I'm really intrigued to see where my character goes.'"

Who could star in Dune: Prophecy season 2?

We'd expect much of the cast of season 1 to return - but, of course, not everyone made it out alive. Beware spoilers below!

If season 2 were to continue on from season 1, Emily Watson and Olivia Williams are likely to return as the Harkonnen sisters, Valya and Tula.

Other returning cast members from season 1 would likely include:

• Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart
• Jodhi May as Empress Natalya
• Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez
• Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides
• Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen
• Chloe Lea as Lila
• Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino
• Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia
• Josh Heuston as Constantine
• Aoife Hinds as Sister Emmeline
• Barbara Marten as Sister Avila
• Jessica Barden as Young Valya
• Emma Canning as Young Tula

Two stars we're not expecting to see back are Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco and Tabu as Francesca, after their deaths in the season 1 finale.

That also goes for Jihae, who played Mother Kasha, after the character's gruesome death earlier on in the season.

What could happen in Dune: Prophecy season 2?

While we don't have any plot details confirmed at the moment, the season 1 finale gives us a clue as to where Dune: Prophecy season 2 could go.

We'd expect to follow the aftermath of Tula discovering that Desmond is her son. That revelation certainly complicates things, with Valya and Tula now seeing him as a victim rather than an attacker.

We'd also expect to the continuation of Valya attempting to place Princess Ynez on the throne and the further rise of the Sisterhood - and, after the death of Emperor Javicco, this looks more likely than ever.

However, things back on Wallach XI may be falling apart after the acolytes found out the truth about Valya's appointment as Mother Superior - that she took charge by force and by blood. How will they react?

Is there a trailer for Dune: Prophecy season 2?

There's no trailer for Dune: Prophecy season 2 just yet but, in the meantime, why not check out Watson and Williams talking about how they wanted to avoid harmful tropes about femininity in season 1?

Dune: Prophecy is available on Sky and NOW.

Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.