Anyone who kept up with last year’s debut of Dune: Prophecy Season 1 knows that it ended on a rather twisty note. Huge revelations, complicated family lineages, and a burgeoning power struggle saw HBO’s Dune spinoff leave a lot of mystery in its wake. With Season 2 being announced as going into production, showrunner Allison Schapker’s prequel series has teased even more of its secrets to come, just as filming has begun. 

Warner Bros. Discovery’s announcement video hit Instagram, showcasing returning Prophecy cast members like Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, and of course Emily Watson. But in between Travis Fimmell throwing peace signs and Jessica Barden being an intense goof ball, there are some looks at new cast members Ashley Walters, Indira Varma, and Tom Hollander. 

Naturally, we know nothing of who these venerable actors will be playing. Though one could guess that the new kids are somehow tied to the huge character deaths in Dune: Prophecy’s Season 1 finale. 

Dune: Prophecy Season 2’s New Cast Members May Be Replacement Royals

Spoilers for Dune: Prophecy Season 1 ahoy, as the loss of Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) and Emperess Natalya (Jodhi May) has left some royal openings to be filled in this universe. Without extensive knowledge of the Dune books, I’m just throwing out a guess that Mission: Impossible franchise vets Tom Hollander and Indira Varma are the new Emperor and Empress, and they’re potentially more amenable to the vision of Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson).

Ashley Walters would also fit into that power structure, based on his very similar costuming to that worn by his Pirates of the Caribbean vet co-star. Not to mention the fact that Ms. Varma’s costuming looks worthy of an empress near the seat of power. So if they look like royals and dress like royals, maybe they’re royals after all.

A satisfied Emily Watson sits on a throne in Dune: Prophecy S1 E6 - "The High-Handed Enemy."

Again, this is all a guess from a fan eager to return to this particular fictional world. That’s probably where Warner Bros. Discovery wants fans at this time, so questions and theories such as what you’ve just read can start hyping viewers nice and early. As far as I’m concerned, this strategy is working.

Unfortunately, Prophecy doesn’t have a Season 2 premiere window – which is just as understandable as all of the mystery surrounding these new characters. However, we do know that Dune: Part Three’s December 2026 release will see us return to the more modern story of Paul Atreides rather soon. So perhaps a fall 2026/winter 2027 debut is what we should be anticipating, as we look for further updates to THS’ Dune: Part Three archives. 

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