Why HBO’s Dune: Prophecy Excludes Computers and AI

HBO’s Dune: Prophecy explains why computers are absent in the Dune films. Unlike other science fiction stories that feature artificial intelligence, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films focus on a feudal society with noble houses and swords. This setting resembles fantasy stories, such as Game of Thrones, rather than typical sci-fi narratives.

The Dune series is based on Frank Herbert’s novels, with the original 1965 book regarded as a cornerstone of the science fiction genre. The films adapt Herbert’s main Dune story, while the HBO prequel series explores events from the expanded universe written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Dune’s Prequel and the Butlerian Jihad

Dune: Prophecy begins with an introduction to the Butlerian Jihad, a war against “Thinking Machines.” These advanced machines were banned after humans became too reliant on them. In the prequel, some noble families, like the Richeses, challenge the ban.

The films and the original book state that machines resembling human minds are prohibited. A key commandment from the Butlerian Jihad is, “Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind.” Dune: Prophecy brings this conflict to life, providing essential context for the series’ political landscape.

Complexities of the Machine Ban in Dune Lore

Frank Herbert created the concept of Thinking Machines. He describes the conflict in the novel: “Once men turned their thinking over to machines in the hope that this would set them free. But that only permitted other men with machines to enslave them.” Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson expand on this theme in their Legends of Dune trilogy.

Frank Herbert’s novels present the Butlerian Jihad as a quest to reclaim humanity from machines. In contrast, Brian Herbert’s work simplifies it to a straightforward battle against evil robots that threaten human freedom.

Technology Allowed in the Dune Universe

Despite the ban on Thinking Machines, the Dune universe features advanced technology. There are energy shields that protect against projectiles, and spaceships for interplanetary travel. Dune: Prophecy also shows Emperor Javicco Corrino using a hologram, highlighting the series’ technological aspects.

According to Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, technology requiring human input is still acceptable. The ban focuses on machines with a degree of autonomy. This distinction allows the Dune: Prophecy series to explore technology while adhering to its foundational lore.