NEW YORK — Get ready for the spice to flow on HBO.

The cast and production team of “Dune: Prophecy” were present at New York Comic Con on Thursday to give fans their first look at this new series, which is based on Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” films. A fresh trailer for the six-episode prequel was shown and also released online, along with the announcement of its premiere date, set for Nov. 17.

“Dune: Prophecy” is set approximately 10,000 years prior to the films and focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a secretive group of women endowed with supernatural powers who influence the “Dune” universe from the shadows. Lady Jessica, played by Rebecca Ferguson in the films, is a Bene Gesserit who mentors her son, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), in their ways.

“In the films, they wield full power and are actively maneuvering, but there’s an air of mystery surrounding them,” she remarked. “One of the exciting aspects of this series is that, while we want to retain their mystique, we will also peek behind the curtains to understand their operations.”

‘Dune: Prophecy’ will delve into the rivalry between House Harkonnen and House Atreides

The series will also shed light on the origins of the intense rivalry between House Harkonnen and House Atreides. “What sparked this feud?” Schapker asked. “How did it become so deeply rooted? That’s a key theme we will explore.”

In Frank Herbert’s original book and its film adaptations, the Harkonnens are portrayed as the antagonists. Fans may remember Stellan Skarsgård’s chilling performance as the villainous Vladimir Harkonnen in the 2021 film. However, in this series, the Harkonnens take center stage. Emily Watson and Olivia Williams will portray Harkonnen siblings who lead the Sisterhood, the precursor to the Bene Gesserit.

The “Prophecy” series portrays the Harkonnens before they evolve into the more sinister figures seen in the later timeline, according to Schapker, while still presenting them as individuals with “immense power and a readiness to go to great lengths to achieve their objectives.”

Emily Watson and Olivia Williams share insights about their characters in ‘Dune: Prophecy’

Watson expressed her enthusiasm for portraying Valya Harkonnen, a member of a “truly, truly, recognizably dysfunctional family.” She mentioned that Valya is committed to “finding the right path for humanity.”

Williams noted that the show, with its focus on the covert Bene Gesserit, implies that the real power lies not with those in the spotlight but “with the individuals lurking a few paces behind, signaling with their hands,” suggesting they are the ones to be wary of.

Where does ‘Dune: Prophecy’ fit into the film timeline?

The series takes place “in the aftermath of the rise of artificial intelligence,” set against the backdrop of a war that resulted in a ban on all AI and thinking machines, Schapker explained.

“Does that mean they’re not still operating in various ways throughout the universe? Who knows,” she added. “But generally, humanity is trying to fill the gap left by things previously managed by technology. Now, people are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human to compensate for that. This opens up new discussions about technology’s role.”

Jordan Goldberg, the executive producer, emphasized that humans have been “subjugated by technology” for a long time when the story begins. The series contemplates the question, “Now that humanity is liberated, will they self-destruct? The Sisterhood serves as a safeguard against that idea.”

What should ‘Dune’ enthusiasts anticipate? What sets ‘Dune: Prophecy’ apart?

Fans can expect to encounter familiar themes from the films, including the spice.

“We’re showcasing a recreational society revolving around spice and synthetic substances derived from it,” Goldberg shared. And yes, sandworms will make an appearance. “We’re pulling out all the stops,” he declared.

One notable difference from the films? Williams mentioned that she and her colleagues didn’t have to endure the harsh desert as their film counterparts did, but they still faced unique filming challenges.

“If you’re expecting sandy landscapes and scorching heat, we’re actually filming on a much wetter planet, requiring a crew member with a backpack full of water to keep us sprayed down to look damp all the time,” she joked, adding, “The other cast members from Denis’ films complained about the heat in Jordan? Well, just try being wet in a tunnel in Hungary!”