Prophecy Uses The Same Energy Shields As Dune, Despite Taking Place 10,000 Years Earlier

Dune: Prophecy takes place 10,000 years before the Dune films, yet characters are still using the same energy shields. Despite occurring much earlier on Dune’s timeline, Dune: Prophecy bears a notable resemblance to the world and characteristics that audiences are familiar with from Denis Villeneuve’s movies. On the one hand, maintaining aesthetic continuity between projects helps build the universe Warner Bros. is looking for, but on the other, it raises questions about technological development.

Part of what makes Dune so fascinating as a sci-fi narrative is that technology doesn’t play as prevalent of a role as it does in something like The Matrix or Blade Runner. Sure, there are spaceships and energy shields, but they’re not as impactful in the story as the Voice. As addressed in Dune: Prophecy’s first episode, computers and artificial intelligence are primarily out of the picture after the Butlerian Jihad, but that still doesn’t explain why other technology hasn’t evolved much over 10,000 years.

The Holtzman Energy Shields’ History In Dune

The Shields Are Explained By The Holtzman Effect

Audiences are first introduced to energy shields in Dune during a training scene between Paul Atreides and Gurney Halleck as they practice sword fighting. The shield surrounds its user and only allows material to pass through if it enters at a slow enough pace, making guns less effective than swords in the world’s combat. Swordsmen like Duncan Idaho utilize a skillful technique of altering the pace of their strikes to push through opponent shields.

In the Dune books, it’s explained that the shields are a result of the Holtzman Effect, developed by a physicist named Holtzman over 10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides. The Holtzman Effect was crucial for not only the shields but also for space travel in the Dune universe. The general absence of computers could be a reason why technology doesn’t develop much over the next several millennia, and on the matter, TV Line spoke with Dune: Prophecy executive producer Jordan Goldberg, who said the following:

“I can’t give you an answer
why
the tech doesn’t evolve over 10,000 years — save for the possibility that, as long ago as when
Dune: Prophecy
is set, it seemed to be getting the job done perfectly fine. And thus maybe didn’t demand any upgrade.”

How Much Does Dune’s Universe Actually Change Across 10,000 Years?

The Rise Of The Bene Gesserit Is The Biggest Change That The Show Will Explore

Given what’s been shown in Dune: Prophecy, it doesn’t seem like a great deal changes over the course of time. House Corrino is in power on Selusa Secundus; they’re struggling to maintain control of Arrakis due to Fremen and threats from noble houses; House Harkonnen and House Atreides have a feud. The biggest change will arguably be the rise of the Bene Gesserit, which is still very much in an early form from what’s been shown on Dune: Prophecy so far.

Sources: TV Line

Set in the universe of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, this sci-fi epic follows the political and spiritual struggles on the desert planet of Arrakis. As factions vie for control of the prized spice melange, a prophesied hero emerges, challenging the balance of power and the fate of the galaxy.

Cast

Emily Watson , Olivia Williams , Jodhi May , Travis Fimmel , Mark Strong , Jade Anouka , Chris Mason , Sarah-Sofie Boussnina , Shalom Brune-Franklin , Faoileann Cunningham , Aoife Hinds , Chloe Lea , Josh Heuston , Edward Davis , Tabu , Yerin Ha

Release Date

November 17, 2024

Seasons

1

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