*Warning – This article contains spoilers for the first episode of Dune: Prophecy.*
with an exhilarating entrance earlier this week, sparking curiosity and a barrage of questions regarding one of its prominent characters. This new and prequel series paves the way to Denis Villeneuve’s grand film saga, taking place 10,000 years prior to the rise of Paul Atreides (played by Timothee Chalamet).
The narrative centres around two Harkonnen siblings, Valya (portrayed by Emily Watson) and Tula (played by Olivia Williams), who navigate through intricate challenges that aim to preserve humanity’s destiny, eventually laying the groundwork for what will be recognized as the Bene Gesserit. The initial episode of Dune: Prophecy concludes with a jolt as the audience is (acted by Travis Fimmel).
In this series, viewers encounter the soldier right away in the first episode, during which he confers with Emperor Corrino (portrayed by Mark Strong) following his survival from an onslaught on Arrakis.
Desmond emerges as a hardened survivor, having embarked on a staggering 12 tours of duty on Arrakis, returning to Salusa Secundus as the lone survivor of his unit whose other members have been annihilated, reports .
It is additionally unveiled that he underwent a formidable ordeal when he was consumed by Shai-Hulud the revered term assigned by the Fremen to the colossal sandworms populating their desert homeworld only to miraculously emerge unscathed.
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Desmond Hart is played by Travis Fimmel (Image: HBO/SKY)
As the episode draws to a climax, it seems Desmond has walked away with a “gift” from the Shai-Hulud experience as he appears to possess the unearthly ability to incinerate people from within, sans any physical contact.
The dramatic conclusion of episode one, which featured a child murder sequence akin to shows such as and , has ignited fan speculation on social media.
On X, the site previously known as , some users have posited fascinating hypotheses about Desmond’s mysterious abilities.
One individual speculated: “Okay but hear me out: if it turned out Desmond is somehow faking his powers that would actually be a great payoff for Dune reasons.” (sic)
Concurring, another person reflected: “I’m obsessed right now with the idea of the Sisterhood being so afraid of this guy’s magic powers that they waste loads of time and resources before realizing he’s just using an elaborate chemical agent or something, and then vowing to never let that happen to them again.” (sic)
Desmond Hart has fans talking (Image: HBO/SKY)
Another viewer suggested: “My Dune Prophecy theory: What if Desmond Hart is a con man, only tricking the Imperium to think he has powers.”
Expanding on this notion, the user shared: “This shows the sisterhood the power of a ‘false’ messiah to control the universe, setting the Kwisatz Haderach plan in motion.”
Additionally, a different fan added: “The Kwisatz Haderach was a BG plan. Why that change? I prefer that he can be a Ghola used by the Tleilaxu to obtain power or something like that.” (sic)
Responding to this comment, the other fan wrote: “I believe this show is about the start of the KH plan. But yeah he could be.”
This was met with: “At least we’re speculating about and not crying about. I think it’s a good thing.”
Meanwhile, one fan simply exclaimed: “wtf is desmond hart man! Is he Kwisatz Haderach or the dark force from fremen with mystical powers of spice.” (sic)
Dune: Prophecy has dropped on HBO (Image: HBO/SKY)
The enigmatic Kwisatz Haderach in Dune is a term used by the Bene Gesserit to denote a prophesied male figure destined to “lead the way” and access ancestral memories. In the cinematic adaptations, Paul is hinted to be this very individual, blessed with the power of foresight.
On another note, the Tleilaxu, hailing from Frank Herbert’s original Dune saga, remain shrouded in mystery for moviegoers, as they have yet to make their on-screen debut. These beings are notorious for their mastery of genetic engineering and their trade in organic wares.
Dune: Prophecy draws its essence from Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson’s Sisterhood of Dune, while also nestling within the expansive universe crafted by Herbert.
The Dune film series chronicles the journey of Paul Atreides who finds himself on the treacherous desert world of Arrakis following his father’s appointment there.
Amidst the harsh landscape, Paul is thrust into a position where he must safeguard his lineage and his people, as tensions escalate over Arrakis’s exclusive ‘spice’ – the most coveted substance in the galaxy.
Dune: Prophecy airs Mondays at 2am in the UK, exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW. This coincides with its 9pm ET/6pm PT airdate in the US, where you can watch it on HBO or Max.