Filmed in Hungary: Behind the Scenes of Dune: Prophecy
HBO’s Dune: Prophecy is the highly anticipated prequel to the Dune saga. And, like the feature film, the TV series’ principal photography took place in Hungary.
Set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s iconic universe, the show delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. The story tracks the journey of young Valya Harkonnen (played by Jessica Barden), a member of the Harkonnen family who will eventually become a pivotal figure within the secretive order.
Dune: Prophecy utilized sets at Origo Studios in Budapest as well as venturing further afield, uncovering a unique, other-worldly spot that would be difficult to place in Hungary unless you were really in the know: the cave dwellings in Bükkalja. It’s one of the show’s most visually arresting locations, used to represent the base of the Harkonnen family on the icy, desolate planet Lankiveil.
Via www.bukkvidekgeopark.com. Photo by Megyeri Balázs (BNPI)
The Bükk region is hauntingly beautiful, with countryside dominated by forests, rolling green hills, valleys and creeks. And Bükkalja, where these caves are located, has the largest area of rhyolite tuff in Central Europe, volcanic rock formed some 19–20 million years ago.
Tuff is a special type of rock that is relatively soft and easy to carve and mine. The man-made caves (known locally as Pocem) that were dug here from around the 19th century were used as homes, wine cellars, and shelters, thus making “stone culture” integral to the evolution of the area and its way of life.
Recognized as something uniquely Hungarian since 2013 and included in the UNESCO Global Geopark network in 2024, these caves have become a cultural and geological treasure. Perhaps the cinematic portrayal of the dwellings in Dune: Prophecy will pique the interest not only of audiences worldwide, but also filmmakers looking for filming locations with a difference in Europe and Hungary.
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Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.
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