'Dune: The Sisterhood' Prequel Receives Major Shakeup at HBO Max

HBO Max's prequel series for Dune has experienced a major shakeup right before filming has begun. Dune: The Sisterhood creator and writer Diane Ademu-John is stepping down as the show's co-runner.

Deadline was first to report with an exclusive. Ademu-John is said to remain creatively involved in the project for the prequel but is looking to focus on other commitments. Alison Schapker will now be the sole showrunner of the upcoming HBO Max series.

The prequel series will star Emily Watson, Shirley Hendersen and Travis Fimmel. Dune: The Sisterhood is based on Frank Herbert's classic novel and is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides. The plot follows the Harkonnen Sisters, played by Watson and Henderson as they face the challenges of the forces that threaten the future of humankind. Denis Villeneuve is executive producing alongside Jon Spaihts, Scott Z. Burns, Matthew King, John Cameron and Cait Collins, and with author Brian Herbert. Johan Renck, director of the prequel announced on Instagram a day ago that filming for the series has commenced.

In other entertainment news, Avatar: The Way of Water is on track to opening upwards of $150 million USD.