"Dune" TV Series Loses Director, Co-Showrunner, and Lead Actress
EXCLUSIVE: HBO Max's #Dune prequel TV series’ long journey to the screen is taking another turn. #DuneTheSisterhood (wt), which started production in late November, is undergoing a creative shift, a director change and a recasting https://t.co/wiHGVWHNqV
- Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 1, 2023
HBO Max has been developing a Dune prequel series since 2019. Although it finally started production in November, it is now undergoing a massive creative shake-up.
• Diane Ademu-John, creator and writer of the pilot's script, is stepping down as co-showrunner. Alison Schapker will now be sole showrunner.
• Johan Renck, who directed HBO's Chernobyl series, was set to direct the first two episodes. He is now exiting the project. Sources say Renck's work clashed with the streamer's vision of the series.
• Shirley Henderson, who was set to play one of the lead characters, is also leaving the show. Her character, Tula Harkonnen, will be recast.
• Filming has been put on pause for as long as seven months, which the source states is "wreaking havoc" on the rest of the cast and crew's schedules. They suggest this may lead to other actors leaving and roles being recast. The current cast includes Emily Watson and Indira Varma as leads.
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yikes!