The TV series “Dune: Prophecy” gives us some answers from the universe of the movies – 10,000 years before Paul Atreides fought against the evil Baron Harkonnen.
Emily Watson plays one of the leading roles in the series, as one of two cult leader sisters. The British actress, who made her Oscar-nominated film debut in Lars von Trier’s “Breaking the Waves” in 1996, didn’t know much about the “Dune” universe before she agreed to participate.
In “Dune: Prophecy,” which will be available for streaming on Max from Monday, she plays Valya Harkonnen, while Olivia Williams plays her sister, Tula.
The two lead the Bene Gesserit, a cult-like movement where young women are trained to gain superpowers to save the world. But don’t think these are noble women.
– It’s great to see women taking a stand, but these two are terrible. They think they are special, that they will control the universe, but they do awful things. They are definitely not feminist icons. They are not kind – they are strategic and have a mission driven by anger, Emily Watson tells TT.
However, she is happy that she and Olivia Williams are in the spotlight – despite their “high” age in film and TV terms.
– It’s great that two women who are nearly 60 years old have been able to land leading roles in a big HBO series. Especially the TV landscape is changing so there are more opportunities for women our age.
Olivia Williams, who played Camilla Parker Bowles in the last two seasons of “The Crown,” notes that the science fiction genre has oddly always been male-dominated.
– Thank God that is changing. There are starting to be many meaty dramas for us to play with. Who knows what will come next? says Williams.
In the series, there is a lot of talk about sisterhood. Bene Gesserit is a sisterhood, even though it is a sect. But what does the term mean in general?
– There were many women on set, and we became a sisterhood; we created a family. It was about taking care of each other’s needs. We filmed in Hungary, and there were things happening that made us ensure that everyone felt safe. That’s sisterhood for me, says Olivia Williams, while Watson elaborates:
– In our profession, it has often been the case that successful women should not help each other. But that is changing, believes the veteran actress.
How does “Dune: Prophecy” differ from previous adaptations of the Dune universe?
Interview: Exploring the Dark World of “Dune: Prophecy”
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into the universe of “Dune: Prophecy,” the latest series set in the iconic Dune universe. With us is Dr. Sarah Thompson, a scholar of science fiction literature and media. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to explore this fascinating world with you.
Editor: The series is set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ epic battle against Baron Harkonnen. Why do you think the creators chose this timeline for the prequel?
Dr. Thompson: It’s a brilliant move, really. By setting the series so far back in the timeline, they can explore the origins of key elements of the Dune mythology without being constrained by the events or characters that fans already know. It allows for a richer world-building experience as viewers get to see how these iconic factions and power dynamics developed.
Editor: Absolutely. And tell us about the characters played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. They portray a couple of cult leader sisters from the Bene Gesserit. How do you feel their characters fit into the larger narrative of Dune?
Dr. Thompson: The Bene Gesserit are such a fascinating and often morally ambiguous faction. While they are portrayed as powerful women training to gain incredible abilities, they also have their dark sides. Valya and Tula Harkonnen believe they are destined to control the universe, which adds a layer of complexity. It’s not just about empowerment—it’s about the potential consequences when power goes unchecked. Their perspective gives a fresh take on the classic trope of women as either saviors or villains.
Editor: Interesting perspective! It seems like the series gives us a grittier view of female power dynamics, rather than a straightforward portrayal. Emily Watson herself admitted to not knowing much about Dune before taking on the role. Do you think this lack of prior knowledge affected her performance, positively or negatively?
Dr. Thompson: That’s a fascinating aspect of her joining the project. Sometimes, not having preconceptions about a character or a universe can lead to a more fresh and genuine portrayal. She can bring her own interpretations without being influenced by how others have approached the material in the past. Her outside perspective might resonate well with audiences who are also new to the Dune universe.
Editor: That’s a good point. The show seems poised to introduce new fans while also engaging long-time Dune enthusiasts. What do you think is the key to balancing these audiences?
Dr. Thompson: The key lies in accessibility. Writers should intertwine engaging narratives and character development that appeal to those unfamiliar with the lore, while also sprinkling in richer details that long-time fans can appreciate. By focusing on universal themes—like power, corruption, and choice—they can create a compelling story that resonates across different audiences.
Editor: And from what we’ve heard, the sisters don’t exactly embody the traditional heroic archetype. There’s a lot of complexity to their motivations. Do you think this complexity is necessary for modern storytelling?
Dr. Thompson: Definitively! In contemporary storytelling, audiences are looking for depth in characters. Heroes and villains are rarely black and white anymore, and “Dune: Prophecy” seems to embody that nuance. It allows people to relate to the characters on a human level, acknowledging that everyone has their struggles and flaws.
Editor: We’ve got a lot to look forward to! Just one last question before we wrap up: what are you most excited to see in the series?
Dr. Thompson: I’m excited to witness how the creators tackle the intricate power dynamics within the Bene Gesserit and how they’ll portray their journey. The moral ambiguity of Valya and Tula Harkonnen opens the door to rich storytelling—I’m intrigued to see how their choices impact the broader landscape of the Dune universe!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights! “Dune: Prophecy” premieres on Max this Monday, and it looks like it’s going to be a thrilling addition to the Dune saga.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.