Denis Villeneuve’s (Arrival) Dune universe is quickly taking form as the HBO Max sequel series Dune: The Sisterhood will begin filming this year, according to Deadline. The series based on Brian Herbert’s (Hunters of Dune) novel Sisterhood of Dune begins production next month in Budapest, Hungary. Villeneuve previously shot a majority of the 2021 film there and will be shooting its sequel, Dune: Part Two, here simultaneously.

In addition to this announcement, Deadline reports Indria Varma has been added to the show’s cast as Empress Natalya. The character has been described as “a formidable royal who united thousands of worlds in her marriage to Emperor Corrino.” Varma will join previously announced Emily Watson (The Third Day) and Shirley Henderson (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker). Varma is known for many roles including her recent stint in Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi along with Ewan McGregor (Halston). She also famously appeared in seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Dune: The Sisterhood will be set 10,000 years prior to the events of the main film, following Watson and Henderson as the Harkonnen Sisters. The two siblings will be tasked with eliminating a threat to humankind. In the wake of their efforts, the women will form the secret set of mystical beings known as the Bene Gesserit.

According to Deadline, Villeneuve and Herbert serve as executive producers along with Kevin J. Anderson (Sandworms of Dune), film writer Jon Spaihts (Prometheus), Cait Collins (The Lobster), John Cameron (Severance), Scott Z. Burns (The Report), and Matthew King (Castle Rock). Byron Merritt (Dune: Part Two) and Kim Herbert (Dune) will also executive produce on behalf of Dune’s original author, Frank Herbert’s (Dune Messiah), estate.

The show is created by Diane Ademu-John (The Haunting of Bly Manor) who shares showrunner responsibilities with fellow executive producer, Alison Schapker (Almost Human), via Deadline. Johan Renck (Downloading Nancy) will executive produce and direct the first episode. HBO Max and Legendary Television produce the series.