A Reddit user’s theory connects Dune: Prophecy to the Dune films, explaining the origins of the Bene Gesserit’s fear rituals and traditions.

Fans took a deeper dive into the Dune saga, when the prequel series Dune: Prophecy premiered on HBO screens. The show explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. But according to one sharp-eyed Reddit user, connections between the show and the Dune movies by Denis Villeneuve run deeper than many might have realized.

Emily Watson as Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen in a still from Dune: Prophecy | Credits: HBO

The user suggested a theory in which the prequel’s storylines subtly set the stage for some of the most iconic elements of Villeneuve’s adaptations. Thus, bringing two stories together in a connected way.

Are Dune: Prophecy and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies interconnected?

The Dune universe, brought to life by Frank Herbert, is full of complex characters and interesting storylines. In order to present this on the big screen, filmmaker Denis Villeneuve has done a great job, evident from the remarkable performance both Dune and Dune: Part Two have had at the box office.

Zendaya as Chani in a still from Dune | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

This universe was further expanded when Dune: Prophecy, based on Great Schools of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, was released in November of this year. While the show concluded its first season finale recently, a user on Reddit shared a very interesting theory that might be able to connect the show and the movies.

Given that the show is based on events that happened 10,000 years prior to the movies, the user made a compelling case by detailing their own theory.

According to the theory, Mother Raquella is key to discovering a virus that causes extreme fear. This fear is believed to be the origin of the Litany of Fear, a mantra the Bene Gesserit uses to stay calm in the face of danger. The theory also suggests that the Bene Gesserit’s box test, where a person feels intense pain like their hand is burning, was inspired by this fear.

The Reddit user also highlights Desmond Hart, the main antagonist from Dune: Prophecy, who has the power to make people burn. This ability is similar to the pain felt during the box test, suggesting that the prequel series explains the origins of these traditions.

By connecting events from Dune: Prophecy to the films, the theory provides a fresh perspective on the Bene Gesserit’s rituals and their role in shaping the Dune universe.

Amy Adams talked about the major impact Arrival had on her personal life

Amy Adams is easily one of the most talented actors of her generation, renowned for her versatility and ability to completely immerse herself in complex characters. Alongside her critically acclaimed projects, she has collaborated with some of the industry’s most remarkable directors.

Amy Adams as Louise Banks in Arrival | Credits: Paramount Pictures

One such pivotal partnership in her career was with Denis Villeneuve for the 2016 sci-fi movie Arrival. While she did not receive an Oscar nomination for her role, her portrayal of Louise Banks remains one of her most memorable performances. During an interview with Vanity Fair, the actress reflected on her experience working on the movie.

She also explained why it took her years to let her daughter, Aviana, watch the film. Adams revealed that her hesitation stemmed from not wanting her daughter to see her “mothering” on screen. She added:

I don’t want her to think that my mothering is in any way performative, so that’s why I was always careful.

It wasn’t until six months ago that Aviana finally watched Arrival. And the actress shared that her daughter loved the movie, which holds a special place in her heart for both its narrative and the collaborative process with Villeneuve.