We recently learned that the long-awaited Max Dune prequel series formerly known as "Dune: The Sisterhood" has been retitled Dune: Prophecy, and the show has now added another key cast member.
Variety reports that legendary Indian actress Tabu has signed on for a recurring role. Her character is named Sister Francesca, who is described as “Strong, intelligent, and alluring, Sister Francesca 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 is one of the most celebrated actresses in the history of Indian cinema, having won the National Film Award for best actress twice for Maachis and Chandni Bar. Her English-language credits include Life of Pi, The Namesake, and the BBC miniseries A Suitable Boy.
Tabu joins leads Emily Watson, Shirley Henderson and Indira Varma, as well as supporting players Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Faoileann Cunningham, Aoife Hinds and Chloe Lea.
Details on some of these characters are still under wraps, but we know that Boussnina (The Colony, Knightfall) will play Princess Ynez, who is described as “an independent young princess dealing with the pressures of her responsibility as heir to the Golden Lion Throne.
Brune-Franklin (The Tourist, Line of Duty) plays Mikaela, said to be “a strong-willed Fremen woman who serves the royal family while longing for a home planet she’s never known.” Cunningham (The Northman, The Witcher: Blood Origin) plays Sister Jen, described as “a fierce, unpredictable acolyte in training at the Sisterhood School who rarely reveals her emotional core.”
Hinds (Normal People, Derry Girls) plays Sister Emeline, said to be “a zealous acolyte descended from a long line of martyrs, who carries fervent religion to her training at the Sisterhood.”
Finally, Lea (Foundation, Great Expectations) plays Lila, described as “the youngest acolyte at the Sisterhood School with a deep empathy beyond her years.”
The Sisterhood is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, and follows the Harkonnen Sisters, played by Watson and Henderson, as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect known as the Bene Gesserit.
Diane Ademu-John is on board as writer and executive producer, with Alison Schapker serving as showrunner and EP.
Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with Brian Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. Anderson serves as co-producer. The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise.
No premiere date has been announced.