Veteran Indian actress Tabu will act in the upcoming HBO Max series "Dune: Prophecy," a prequel to Denis Villeneuve's critically acclaimed "Dune" films.
"Dune: Prophecy," originally titled "Dune: The Sisterhood," will explore the origins of the "Dune" universe 10,000 years before the rise of Paul Atreides. Inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's novel "Sisterhood of Dune," the series follows the Harkonnen sisters as they navigate political turmoil to establish the Bene Gesserit, a powerful faction in the "Dune" saga.
Tabu will portray Sister Francesca, a strong, intelligent, and alluring character with a mysterious past. Described as having once been romantically involved with the Emperor, Sister Francesca's return to the palace is said to disrupt the existing power structure.
A highly respected actress in India, Tabu is a two-time National Film Award winner and has received numerous Filmfare Awards for her diverse body of work. She has also appeared in international projects like "Life of Pi," "The Namesake," and the BBC series "A Suitable Boy."
The series boasts a diverse ensemble cast including Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, and several others. Despite a series of creative shifts and showrunner changes that led to a reset in 2023, “Dune: Prophecy” is poised to add a rich prequel to the “Dune” franchise.
With the recent success of two new “Dune” films, which collectively grossed over $1.1 billion, and a third instalment in development, the “Dune” universe continues to expand its cinematic and television footprint, captivating audiences worldwide.