Summary
Fans who are enjoyingDune: Prophecymay be enamored by Travis Fimmel’s mysterious character Desmond Hart. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that Fimmel has played an enigmatic soldier-type surviving in a high-stakes sci-fi world.
Dune: Prophecyis a prequel telling the origins of the Bene Gesserit that takes place thousands of years before Denis Villeneuve’sDunemovies. The series sets up a landscape of political intrigue and power plays, all taking place in a high-concept and imaginative sci-fi world. Fimmel stars in the series as Demond Hart, a soldier who returns from Arrakis with an agenda and mysterious powers.
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Number of Episodes
18
Those who are looking for a series operating in the same vein asDune: Prophecyshould take a look at HBO’s 2020 seriesRaised by Wolves. Theseries is executive produced by Ridley Scottand treads some similar territory to the director’sAlienandBlade Runnerfranchises.Raised by Wolvescenters on the story of two androids, Mother and Father, who are tasked with raising a colony of human children on a strange new planet after Earth is destroyed by a great war.Raised by Wolveslasted only two seasons but managed to cover a lot in that time. It introduced strange new alien creatures, explored the complexities between humans and AI, and built out an original sci-fi world defined by futuristic technology and staunch religious beliefs.
Travis Fimmel Has a Character Type
Travis Fimmel is another connecting piece of the puzzle betweenDune: ProphecyandRaised by Wolves. The Australian actor is known for playing enigmatic characters who are often charismatic and hold a hidden agenda. This was particularly evident in his breakout role inVikings, in which he played Ragnar Lothbrok for four seasons. InRaised by Wolves, Fimmel plays Marcus, an atheist soldier who adopts the identity ofa Mithraic warriorto escape the demise of the world with his wife, Mary, and start anew. Marcus’ defining characteristic is that he is charismatic, convincing, and a true survivor. He will do whatever it takes and manipulate whoever is needed to ensure his family’s survival.
Soon into his venture, Marcus begins to take on the role of the Mithraic’s prophet, believing himself to be hearing the voice of their god, Sol. Similarly inDune: Prophecy,Desmond returns from Arrakis a changed man, who preaches of having been given a gift by Shai-Hulud. It’s unclear exactly what Desmond’s plan is, but his allegiance places him in opposition with the Sisterhood, reflecting a similar dichotomy between the religious orders in Raised by Wolves.
Dune Prophecy and Raised By Wolves Explore Similar Territory
Dune: ProphecyandRaised by Wolvesshare a lot more than just a network and a cast member. Both series exist in high-concept sci-fi worlds that aren’t afraid to delve into strange and unnatural territory to tell their stories. Both stories also exist in the wake of a great war.Dune: Prophecytakes place in the time shortlyafter the Butlerian Jihad, in which mankind almost went extinct after fighting the thinking machines. This has led to a fragile new world order in which all AI is outlawed and scorned.Raised by Wolvesalso takes place in the aftermath of a war, where one side used devastating AI androids known as Necromancers to achieve their aims.Raised by Wolves’exploration of spirituality and religious beliefs also bears some similarities toDune: Prophecy’sexploration of the origins of the Bene Gesserit, with both series using the strengths offered in the sci-fi genre to explore their themes.
Lastly, both series also stem from the vision of great sci-fi directors. The DNA of Ridley Scott’sAlienfranchise is all overRaised by Wolves,despite the two being set in completely different worlds. Meanwhile,Dune: Prophecydoes take placein the same universe as Villeneuve’sDunefilms, meaning the style and tone of the filmmaker are present throughout the series. WhileDune: Prophecyis still early in its run there’s a fair chance those looking for the detailed and unique sci-fi world thatDuneoffers will find it inRaised by Wolves.
