Dune: Prophecy star Emily Watson has shared what makes the upcoming HBO series different from other epic sci-fi franchises. This marks Watson's first major TV project as a lead, after previously starring as a recurring character on multiple shows, including Little Women, Chernobyl, The third dayAND Too close.
During a recent interview with Total Film, Watson previewed what Dune fans can expect to see from the prequel series.”It is built around the Bene Gesserit order. That’s the sisterhood,” Watson said. “She’s one of the central characters, and all the universes that they control, and their power… it’s pretty fascinating.”
In the prequel series, the Oscar-nominated actor will play the role of Valya Harkonnen, described as the leader of the Sisterhood. When asked about the state of the Harkonnen clan, Watson confirmed that they will still be “a bit of a fucked up family,” which will be “very recognizably human and complicated.” However, unlike what was shown in the films, the show's version of the Harkonnen family will be “less extreme.“
Furthermore, Watson also discussed Dune: Prophecymoral complexity and world-building. “It was very exciting, but also really nice to go into that world with the confidence of knowing that I have the skills to make it all feel real,” he continued. “It's a really interesting palette because it's not childish… it's not like Star Wars. He has a moral complexity, which is interesting..” In addition to leading the cast of the upcoming HBO spin-off, Watson will also next be seen opposite Oscar winner Cillian Murphy in the historical drama, Little things like this.
What to expect from Dune: Prophecy?
Dune: Prophecy is executive produced by showrunner Alison Schapker, creator Diana Ademu-John, and director Anna Foerster. The series is based on the expansive universe created by author Frank Herbert and is also inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson Sisterhood of Dune novel.
The cast also includes Olivia Williams as Tula Harkonnen, Johdi May as Empress Natalya, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Princess Ynez, Mark Strong as Emperor Javicco Corrino, Travis Fimmel as Desmond Hart, Aoife Hinds as Sister Emeline, Chloe Lea as Lila, Jade Anouka as Sister Theodosia, Faoileann Cunningham as Sister Jen, Chris Mason as Keiran Atreides, Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikeala, Josh Heuston as Constantine Corrino, Edward Davis as Harrow Harkonnen and more.
The official synopsis for Dune: Prophecy reads: “Set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, the prequel follows two Harkonnen sisters as they battle forces that threaten the future of humanity and found the legendary sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.” The Bene Gesserit were first introduced in Dune as a group of powerful women, who undergo physical and mental conditioning to gain superhuman abilities. Notable characters who are members of the order include Paul Atreides' mother, Lady Jessica, Reverend Mother Mohiam, and Lady Margot Fenring.
Dune: Prophecy Its premiere is currently scheduled for November 2024.
Source: Total Film