The “Dune” prequel TV series at HBO Max is undergoing an overhaul several months into production with the project now on hold according to Deadline.
“Chernobyl” executive producer Johan Renck, who had signed on to direct the first two episodes of “Dune: The Sisterhood,” has exited the project with a search underway for his replacement.
In addition the show’s creator Diane Ademu-John, who had written the pilot script, is stepping down as co-showrunner. That leaves veteran TV writer-producer Alison Schapker as the sole showrunner of the series.
That’s not all though as actress Shirley Henderson, who had been tapped as one of the leads, is exiting with her role as Tula Harkonnen being recast.
According to the trade, Renck’s auteur approach and desire for a visual look akin to the Denis Villeneuve films didn’t mix with HBO Max’s vision for the series which led to his departure. It’s not clear if any of the footage he filmed will be used.
Though it has been said the plan was always to stop filming for the winter months, other sources indicate the hiatus will go for up to seven months to give Schapker and her team time to put their creative stamp on it by reworking the scripts as well as finding a new director.
The delay is reportedly wreaking havoc on actor’s schedules and creating potential scheduling conflicts. Though it’s not clear if Henderson’s departure is related to this, her recasting may not be the last we’ll hear about.
An HBO Max spokesperson has issued a statement saying:
“As Dune: The Sisterhood (wt) has entered a pre-scheduled hiatus, there are some creative changes being made to the production in an effort to create the best series possible and stay true to the source material. Johan Renck has completed his work on the series and a new director will be brought on; through mutual agreement, Johan is moving on to pursue other projects. Additionally, Shirley Henderson will be exiting the series and will no longer be playing Tula Harkonnen.”
The series is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides in “Dune” and follows the Harkonnen Sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.
Emily Watson, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Shalom Brune Franklin, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds, Chloe Lea, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, Jade Anouka and Chris Mason co-star.
