The Bene Gesserit are a secretive group of powerful women, pulling the strings behind the political intrigue in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” films.

This influential group didn’t gain their power overnight; it took them thousands of years to become one of the most significant factions in Frank Herbert’s “Dune” universe originally introduced through his novels.

Initially, before plotting to bring about the birth of Paul Atreides, destined to be a superbeing known as their Kwisatz Haderach, the Bene Gesserit were purely a sisterhood with grand aspirations.

“Dune: Prophecy,” set to launch on HBO and Max this weekend, acts as a prequel to Villeneuve’s films. It will delve into how this sisterhood transformed into the powerful Bene Gesserit we know today, set 10,000 years before the storylines in the films featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. This series will also explore the longstanding rivalry between the Atreides and Harkonnens.

Here’s what you need to know about the series, including details on the trailer, the cast, and how to catch the show.

When is the ‘Dune: Prophecy’ premiere?

“Dune: Prophecy” will premiere with its first hour-long episode on Sunday at 9 p.m. EST.

According to the episode description, the premiere will unveil the beginnings of a plot conceived by a secretive sisterhood that eventually becomes the Bene Gesserit, aimed at placing one of their members on the imperial throne.

How to watch ‘Dune: Prophecy’

You can watch “Dune: Prophecy” on HBO’s TV channel or stream it on Max, HBO’s streaming platform.

Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads, allowing streaming on two devices simultaneously. An ad-free subscription costs $16.99 per month and includes the option to download up to 30 titles for offline viewing. The premium plan at $20.99 per month allows streaming on four devices and provides 4K Ultra HD video plus 100 downloads.

HBO also has bundles available with Hulu and Disney+.

Cast of ‘Dune: Prophecy’

The show features a diverse ensemble cast, including portrayals of the Harkonnens, early Bene Gesserit sisters, and an Atreides. The first season consists of eight episodes.

The cast includes:

• Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen
• Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen
• Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart
• Jodhi May as Empress Natalya
• Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino
• Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez
• Josh Heuston as Constantine Corrino
• Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia
• Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline
• Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides
• Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela
• Tabu as Sister Francesca
• Camilla Beeput as Reverend Mother Dorotea
• Sarah Lam as Hagal Truthsayer
• Chloe Lea as Lila
• Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen
• Flora Montgomery as Truthsayer Vera
• Tessa Bonham Jones as Lady Shannon Richese