Dune: Prophecy Bene Gesserit Actors Talk Building A Sisterhood And More

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As a fan who has had the privilege of being a part of this extraordinary journey, I must say that my experience on Dune: Prophecy has been nothing short of breathtaking. The world of Dune is vast and complex, much like the human spirit, and it’s been an honor to delve into its depths.

The core focus of HBO’s latest series, Dune: Prophecy, revolves around the Bene Gesserit – a formidable sisterhood whose presence is strongly felt in all Dune novels, films, TV shows, video games, and beyond. Unlike their later powerful status in Frank Herbert’s original works, in Dune: Prophecy, we witness the beginnings of the Bene Gesserit when they had not yet established their galactic influence. The Bene Gesserit depicted in this series includes women who willingly joined, those who have never experienced life beyond the Sisterhood, some with hidden pasts, and a wide array of backgrounds.

Dune: Prophecy has been renewed for season 2 by HBO.

In the initial season of “Dune: Prophecy,” two significant figures from the Bene Gesserit order stand out: Sister Jen (played by Faoileann Cunningham), a woman known for her independent thought who occasionally butts heads with the collective mentality of her peers, and Sister Emeline (portrayed by Aoife Hinds), an ardent follower who shows a particular fascination with martyrdom. Game Rant recently interviewed both actresses regarding their characters’ functions within the Bene Gesserit, the evolution of the Sisterhood on-screen and off-screen, their personal entries into the “Dune” realm, and additional topics. The transcript has been adjusted for clarity and conciseness.

Jen’s Individual Thinking And Emeline’s Fanatical Devotion

Q: In the context of the Bene Gesserit, Sister Jen stands out as a unique, independent thinker. What are some ways we can portray her individuality and free-thinking nature within this group that typically acts in unison?

In every scene, I believe I allowed myself the freedom to genuinely express my thoughts. One specific day, when we were facing a delay in filming, I found myself getting restless. Instead of waiting, I chose to explore my curiosity, saying to myself, “Let’s follow this thought.” It was incredibly enjoyable to let myself do that as an actor. On any given day, I attempted to utilize whatever feelings arose within me – whether it was tiredness or excitement – and build upon them, essentially improvising.

I believe our interactions allowed me to let loose and enjoy myself more, without worrying too much about being proper or putting on an act. We seemed to inspire one another in unique ways and nurture each other’s creativity. We even found humor in our roles, occasionally playing characters before takes, which made the atmosphere lighter and provided some entertainment. For me, this was all about accepting and expressing my true feelings of the moment.

A: Instead of referring to Sister Emeline as an “intense, dedicated, martyrdom-focused figure,” you could describe her as a character who is deeply committed and has a strong emphasis on martyrdom. To create her character, did you delve into the lives of actual historical martyrs during the research process?

It was intriguing because I wasn’t brought up with any religious background, so it was a difficult task for me to understand this character whose entire life revolves around this belief. Joan of Arc and similar figures served as my inspiration, as they embodied the idea of a missionary willing to give up their life for a higher cause.

Building The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood

As a movie reviewer, I found the collaboration with Emily Watson, embodying Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen, and Olivia Williams, bringing Reverend Mother Tula Harkonnen to life, incredibly enriching. Together, we wove a powerful sisterhood on-screen that resonated deeply.

It’s an extraordinary opportunity to work on a project like this, one that might never come around again. Watching the episodes reveals just how much Emily and Olivia have to juggle – from handling multiple storylines to investing significant time in creating something of this caliber. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been their co-stars. Surrounded by such remarkable talent was both intimidating and motivating, making me mindful of the importance of rest and nutrition!

Absolutely! They are fantastic, and striving to be my best self each day mirrors them. I believe there was an underlying tone of support and motivation from them as we continue to grow and learn alongside them, and they were incredibly gracious with their guidance. In terms of sisterhood, I find it profoundly meaningful that a wide range of ages were present. Chloe Lea, who portrays Sister Lila, was turning 18 during filming, while Barbara Marten, who plays Sister Avila, is in her 70s. This encompasses the entire spectrum of womanhood – a beautiful representation of sisterhood at its best.

Question: Were you all quite bonded as a team? You spent a considerable amount of time filming numerous scenes together on the planet where the Bene Gesserit resided.

Definitely! The team we worked with in Hungary provided incredible support, making our time there incredibly enjoyable and childlike at times. For instance, if one of us asked for a hot chocolate, saying “I’m on my period,” it would turn into a sudden flurry of twenty hot chocolates, as someone from the crew would enthusiastically share their top-notch recipe. The harmony, both on and off camera, was outstanding. I believe such an atmosphere can only be achieved when everyone is fully engaged, with grace, kindness, and a shared sense of space.

Hinds: Definitely. We had sleepovers like once a week.

Entering The World Of Dune And Seeing Fan Reactions

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself immersed in the vast, intricate universe of Dune – a saga steeped in decades of captivating history. Before embarking on this extraordinary journey, were we already avid fans of Dune, or were we about to discover it for the first time?

It seems clear now that we’re considered beginners. To be honest, I consider myself a fan of Dune, but I feel a bit embarrassed to admit it because there are people who have been enthusiasts for over two decades. We may be newcomers, but our passion is intense.

Absolutely, I concur! I was delving into the expansive world of “Dune” recently. I had only seen Denis Villeneuve’s film, “Dune Part One,” prior to our show, and that was essentially all I knew about “Dune.” It was fascinating to uncover additional resources available on the subject. I watched a documentary titled “Jodorowsky’s Dune” and gained insights into the lineage of this story. It’s remarkable to see how it has been retold or attempted to be told in various forms throughout history. The creativity and passion surrounding it are truly boundless, as you can imagine.

Question: How have viewers responded to the airing of Dune Prophecy? Have you engaged with any fans who felt a connection to your characters?

Hinds: We haven’t delved into it much yet. This seems to be our first interaction with fans, and the initial response from viewers of the show has been truly delightful. Everyone has shown such enthusiasm, and it’s incredibly heartwarming.

Q: If the Bene Gesserit were a real organization, do you think you would want to join them?

Cunningham: One hundred percent.

Hinds: One hundred and ten percent!

Count me in! I’m eager to participate. I never enjoyed the traditional school setting, but this opportunity seems incredibly appealing. Just thinking about it ignites a sense of excitement within me. It’s enticing to imagine engaging in various aspects of physical, mental, and bodily challenges. If given the chance, I would relish the experience wholeheartedly.

Hinds: Just in terms of having control over our own bodies. To not have period pains anymore.

Q: Anything else you’d like Game Rant’s readers to know about Dune: Prophecy or your experience on the show?

Based on the modest responses I’ve noticed online, I am deeply appreciative of the viewers’ kind-heartedness for immersing themselves in our world alongside us. The creators have invested immense passion and effort into crafting this rendition of the series, which is no small feat. It’s truly amazing to me, based on what I’ve gathered from my readings, that the fans are eager to engage with the story as a distinct entity and are thrilled about its connection to the other narrative. This enthusiasm simply astounds me.

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2024-12-22 00:24