Actresses Aoife Hinds and Faolieann Cunningham are part of the “Bene Gesserit” in the television installment of Dune. Regarding the recording process,they say that they had to undergo arduous training and that,to connect with the characters,they read the books,watched the latest films and even the documentary about Alejandro Jodorowsky’s unfinished film.
This Sunday, Dune: The Prophecy will broadcast the fourth episode of its first season. The series, which takes place 10,000 years before the events of the novel Dune focuses on the origins of Well done the exclusive and powerful brotherhood that undergoes intense physical and mental training to obtain superhuman abilities.
The serie is starring Emily Watson y Olivia Williams who play Valya Harkonnen y Tula Harkonnen respectively. They are joined by the group of acolytes, including the princess Ynez an self-reliant young woman who faces pressure as heir to the Golden Lion Throne. Next to her are “the sisters”, such as sister Jen performed by Cunningham’s Gull y Sister Emeline performed by Aoife Hinds.
In conversation with The Clinic the latter two addressed their role in the aspiring series, which has the challenge of bringing the immense universe of Frank herbert to the audiovisual.
About his role, Aoife Hinds He says that what caught his attention about his character was his sense of purpose, which he found quite admirable. One of the challenges she mentions when taking on the role is that her character is immersed in a religious upbringing, somthing that Hinds confesses never having had.
Cunningham’s Gullfor his part, says that unlike his character in Dune: The Prophecyhad exemplary behavior when she was a child. “I was quite a conformist, so it was quite nice to play someone who wasn’t like that. In each scene I think I am offered the opportunity to go against the grain.”
Regarding the story, the actresses agree that the series puts at the center a group of women who are training in mystical ways to control their bodies at a molecular level. “That was kind of an interesting idea of representing women and what we are capable of doing,” says the actress who plays Sister emeline.
“We had to maintain strenuous positions for a long time, while the rain machines are in operation. At first we thought, ‘we can do this’, but then the rain starts. At first it’s just a light drizzle, but then they gradually increase the intensity until it gets stronger and stronger. Then they turn on the wind machines, so you’re getting hit in the face with rain. It is a challenge because you have to maintain your position,” he says. Aoife.
“They definitely tested us. I mean, even more than you’ll see in the entire series, as far as the training we all go thru together.But that was amazing because we literally bonded over watching each other learn how to do a backflip or things like that. They where great days,” he adds. Cunningham’s Gull.
To prepare for their roles, the actresses say they watched the films several times. Dune by Denis Villeneuve. To this, Hinds added other material, such as the documentary about dune and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s version that was never carried out. For his part, Cunningham says that, one Christmas before the whole project began, he received a book about Dunewhich he considers a strange coincidence.
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What methods did Aoife Hinds and Faolieann Cunningham use to prepare for their roles as the Bene Gesserit in the Dune adaptation?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dune Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our discussion today! We’re delighted to have an expert in the field of literature and film with us. Given the exciting developments in the television adaptation of Dune, especially with the characters of the Bene gesserit portrayed by Aoife Hinds and Faolieann Cunningham, can you share your insights on their training process for this iconic role?
Expert (E): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here to talk about Dune—a rich and multifaceted universe. The training process that Hinds and Cunningham undertook is quite engaging. They didn’t just step into their roles; they really immersed themselves in the lore and complexity of the Bene Gesserit. Its essential for actors in such important roles to connect deeply with their characters, especially given how pivotal the Bene Gesserit are to the story.
TNE: That’s a good point. Can you elaborate on what specific training or preparations are typically involved for such characters?
E: Absolutely! For Dune, it’s especially important because the Bene Gesserit have a unique set of skills and philosophies. The actresses mentioned undergoing rigorous training, which likely included physical readiness to embody their characters’ fighting techniques and mental exercises to capture the Bene Gesserit’s focus and mental acuity. Furthermore, reading Frank Herbert’s books and watching both recent films and even jodorowsky’s unfinished work signifies their commitment to understanding the depth of their characters and the narrative’s evolution across different interpretations.
TNE: It sounds like they engaged with a wealth of material! With the upcoming broadcast of Dune: The Prophecy this Sunday, how do you expect audiences will respond to this deep dive into the characters?
E: I anticipate a very positive response.Audiences today are not just looking for surface-level entertainment; they’re craving deeper narratives and character progress. By preparing so thoroughly, Hinds and Cunningham are likely to bring a nuanced performance that resonates with both longtime fans of the series and newcomers.Plus, the introduction of the Bene Gesserit’s complex themes around power, control, and sisterhood will likely spark meaningful discussions among viewers.
TNE: Those themes are indeed central to Dune. Do you think the documentary about jodorowsky’s vision adds a new layer to this adaptation?
E: Definitely! Jodorowsky’s take on Dune was ambitious and imaginative, and while it never materialized, it has shaped the way we think about science fiction cinema today. By watching that documentary, Hinds and Cunningham can glean insights about creativity, storytelling, and the possible interpretations of Herbert’s work. It helps them to better navigate the cultural legacy the Dune series has, which ultimately enhances their performance.
TNE: Fascinating! As the fourth episode approaches, what lasting impact do you think this series might have on the Dune franchise and the sci-fi genre as a whole?
E: This series has the potential to redefine how adaptations can approach complex narratives. By delving into character backgrounds and motivations rather than just rushing through the plot, the series may set a new standard for fidelity in adaptations. Additionally,with its emphasis on female depiction,particularly through the figures of the Bene Gesserit,it could inspire future sci-fi works to explore emotional depth and societal commentary rather than just action-driven plots.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights! We’re looking forward to seeing how the Bene Gesserit come to life in this upcoming episode. Your expertise helps illuminate the importance of this adaptation.
E: It was my pleasure! I can’t wait to see how audiences react to this installment. Dune continues to prove that it’s not just a story of space and power—it’s deeply human, and that’s what will captivate viewers.