Dune: Prophecy Expands Universe as Season 2 Heads into Development

The first season of Dune: Prophecy introduced audiences to a new chapter in the Dune universe — and much of it was built in Hungary, including stages at Origo Studios. Now, the show is preparing for a second season that will delve even deeper into the lore of Frank Herbert’s world.

At a recent panel moderated by Variety, showrunner Alison Schapker and cast members including Olivia Williams, Emily Watson, and Travis Fimmel discussed key moments from season one. Among the major reveals was the true heritage of Desmond Hart (Fimmel), who is secretly the son of Tula Harkonnen (Williams), making him both Harkonnen and Atreides.

An early visual clue to his identity — a piece of black cloth carried throughout the season — served as a quiet Easter egg. “It takes the whole season for you to really figure out where that comes from, but that’s a connection to his mom,” said Schapker. Williams elaborated that the cloth resembled something a child would cling to from infancy.

The show’s elaborate sets and environments were also discussed, including a snowstorm sequence symbolising inner turmoil, which VFX supervisor Michael Enriquez described as one of the most technically demanding scenes. “We had to replace the entire environment,” he said, highlighting the production’s heavy reliance on visual effects.

Production designer Tom Meyer emphasized the tactile realism behind the show’s worldbuilding. “The stonework in the palace would have the oil rub from people touching the stone over centuries,” he said, underlining the grounded approach to the science fiction aesthetic.

Looking ahead, Schapker teased that season two, expected to enter production later this year, will introduce more of the political and mystical institutions of the Dune universe. “You’re going to meet some of the other players in the Imperium,” she noted, adding that fans curious about Mentats and the Spacing Guild should expect to see them explored further.

With a second season on the horizon and a growing list of characters and factions, Dune: Prophecy appears set to continue leveraging Hungary’s production infrastructure — and expand the franchise’s complex mythology even further.