Dune: Prophecy, HBO Max’s prequel series to the hit film franchise, has added Bollywood actress Tabu to its cast roster as Sister Francesca. After a tumultous development process, the series is gearing up for its late 2024 premiere, and will centre around the origins of the Bene Gesserit.
Sister Francesca is described as “strong, intelligent, and alluring,” and “leaves a lasting impression in her wake. Once a great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace strains the balance of power in the capital.” Tabu has plenty of experience with such roles, having played the equivalent of Lady Macbeth in 2004 Bollywood adaptation Maqbool, and troubled wife Aditi in Astitva.
The Harkonnens take center stage in the series set 10,000 years before Dune, as sisters Valya Harkonnen, played by Emily Watson (Kingsman: The Golden Circle), and Tula Harkonnen (Emma), played by Olivia Williams, combat forces that threaten the future of humanity, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.
We’re excited to see how Dune: Prophecy plays out, and while it’s still a while away, news of a trailer could come sooner than we expect.