Vikings star hailed as 'most interesting character' in Dune: Prophecy after chilling opening episode

, which is Sky and HBO’s spin-off prequel series to Denis Villeneuve’s epic Dune film saga, made its debut this week. And it seems one character from the sci-fi show, which is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), already has fans talking.

Dune: Prophecy is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson’s novel, Sisterhood of Dune, and is based in the wider Dune universe originally created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert. The new Max and Legendary Television show, which has already drawn plenty of comparisons to Game of Thrones, boasts a star-studded cast including Emily Watson, Mark Strong, Chris Mason, Emma Canning, Josh Heuston and Sarah-Sofie Boussnina.

However, it is Vikings actor Travis Fimmel who has already captured fans’ attention with his portrayal of Desmond Hart. The show follows two Harkonnen sisters, Valya (Emily Watson) and Tula (Olivia Williams), as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

The first episode of the new series has already sparked significant fan reaction on social media thanks to a shocking and violent twist - and Desmond is heavily involved. In the series, we meet the soldier early on in episode one, when he meets with Emperor Corrino (Mark Strong) after surviving an attack on Arrakis.

Desmond has done an impressive 12 tours of Arrakis before returning to Salusa Secundus and is the only surviving member of his regiment, with the others being wiped out. Viewers also discover another important truth about Desmond during the episode, but we won’t spoil it here.

Before taking on his new role in the Dune prequel series, Travis starred as Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings, which he appeared in from 2013 to 2017.

His other roles include Anduin Lothar in the live-action adaptation of Warcraft and Marcus in the series Raised by Wolves.

Taking to X, the social media platform formerly known as , fans shared their reactions to Desmond, claiming he might be “the most interesting character” in the series.

Referencing Travis’ Vikings role, one wrote: “Space Ragnar is definitely the most interesting character in Dune.”

Another commented: “Desmond Hart. I’m liking this character is all. The ending of episode 1 [shocked emoji].” (sic)

“When Ragnar enters Dune Prophecy as Desmond Hart,” another quipped with a smirking emoji.

“MY GOAT IS HERE,” yet another fan enthused, as one more said they “can’t wait” for the truth behind Desmond’s character to be revealed. (sic)

Speaking about this power to about the character, Travis said: "It's something different that you haven't seen on other shows. He can hurt people physically without actually touching them."

He added: "Desmond's got a certain goal, and something he's very driven by to achieve and he'll use a lot of violence to achieve that goal, and he thinks it's justified in doing so.

“But at the same time, it really hurts him when he hurts other people physically. It hurts him physically and emotionally but he still sort of enjoys it. He won't stop doing it."

Dune:Prophecy serves as a prequel series to 2021’s Dune and 2024’s Dune: Part Two, which stars huge A-listers like Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, Christopher Walken, Florence Pugh, Lea Seydoux, Rebecca Ferguson and Stellan Skarsgard.

The Dune films follow the story of Paul Atreides, who arrives on the near-barren and dangerous planet Arrakis after his father takes up a position there.

Paul must ensure the future of his family and his people - all while conflict breaks out over the planet's exclusive supply of ‘spice’, which is the most precious resource in the known universe.

Dune: Prophecy airs Mondays at 2am in the UK, exclusively on Sky Atlantic and NOW. This coincides with its 9pm ET/6pm PT airdate in the US, where you can watch it on HBO or Max.