Dune: Prophecy Producer And Actors Talk Navigating A Complex Political Landscape

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As a fan of Frank Herbert’s Dune series, I must say that delving into this iconic universe with such a unique and fresh perspective is nothing short of exhilarating. With my years of experience in storytelling, I can confidently say that Allison Schapker and her team have crafted something truly special with Dune: Prophecy.

The realm of Dune, first imagined by Frank Herbert and subsequently enriched through novels, movies, TV shows, and video games, is an expansive one. The Imperium is governed by House Corrino, yet the machinations of other Houses such as Richese and Harkonnen constantly challenge their rule. Simultaneously, the barren planet Arrakis continues to hold significant importance due to its production of precious spice. In the new series from HBO, titled Dune: Origins, spectators are granted a glimpse into this universe some 10,000 years before the occurrences depicted in the original Dune.

The series Dune: Prophecy is a complex political drama that skillfully juggles multiple factions and their intricate machinations. In an exclusive interview, we spoke with producer-writer Alison Schapker, along with several key cast members: Jodhi May (Empress Natalya Corrino), Josh Heuston (Constantine Corrino, the Emperor’s illegitimate son), and Chris Mason (royal swordmaster Kieran Atreides). They delved into topics such as political deceit, adapting to shifting power dynamics within the Imperium, the state of relationships within the imperial family, and the impending threat of Arrakis and its precious spice. For your convenience, this conversation has been streamlined for clarity and conciseness.

Empress Natalya Corrino Rules Alongside Her Husband

In the original “Dune”, the Imperium is governed by the aged and unwell Shaddam Corrino, who denies any power to the women in his life, whether wives or daughters. However, “Dune: Prophecy” portrays a stark contrast with Empress Natalya Corrino, played by Jodhi May. Known for breathing life into powerful female characters, such as Queen Calanthe in Netflix’s “The Witcher”, Empress Natalya rules alongside her husband. She is a shrewd strategist, although the plot of the series causes friction between her and her husband, Emperor Javicco, as he turns to questionable advisors instead of taking her counsel.

Q: How might we describe Empress Natalya and Emperor Javicco’s marriage at the beginning of Dune: Prophecy? Was their relationship marked by affection, or did she view him merely as an instrument for manipulation?

May: Natalya’s marriage with Javicco was built upon love, yet she feels a deep sense of disenchantment and disillusionment. It’s as if they were partners in a venture that didn’t turn out the way she expected, and there are many intriguing undertones to this situation.

As a history enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the captivating tale of the Romanov family, where an unusual influence, somewhat reminiscent of Rasputin, is symbolized by Sister Kasha in this story. For Natalya, this dependence creates a feeling of pent-up frustration due to her yearning for independence and a mutual endeavor that she anticipated their marriage would embody. However, I’d like to clarify that her husband isn’t intentionally used as a pawn. Instead, he’s someone who requires careful navigation – to put it succinctly.

A: Is it possible that Princess Ynez inherits her rebellious streak from Natalya? Could there have been a more unruly version of Natalya that we haven’t witnessed?

May: That’s a really interesting idea. I think that there’s something, really, in the way in which Natalya is so true to herself. I would absolutely like to think that she is someone who maybe did have a past that was wilder than where she finds herself now. I think that opens up a really interesting question of how much is going to be revealed about Ynez and how we see the evolution of her character and the relationship between mother and daughter. Maybe there is a world in which she herself was a bit of a rebel. I think what’s interesting to see is the way in which Natalya’s character develops through the course of the season. Without giving you any spoilers, there is absolutely a form of rebellion.

Constantine Corrino Is Princess Ynez’s Protector

In the intriguing power struggle within House Corrino of the novel ‘Dune: Prophecy’, there’s an unusual bond between Princess Ynez, who is Javicco’s acknowledged heir, and Constantine, his son born out of wedlock. Though they occupy vastly distinct roles, Constantine, portrayed as a charming rogue by Josh Heuston, remains intensely loyal to “Nez”. He stands by her side during challenging times, supporting her as she takes decisive actions and gradually asserting herself on the political stage.

Question: The bond between Constantine and Ynez, whom he affectionately refers to as “Nez,” is intriguing due to the fact that she is the rightful heir while he is not. Yet, they maintain a very close friendship. What factors enable them to preserve this relationship given their distinct circumstances?

It seems to me that Constantine deeply and without conditions loves Nez. Their shared traumatic childhood experience has solidified their trust and respect for each other. To him, ensuring her safety and well-being is the foundation of his existence.

She appears to be the only individual, in my opinion, who truly perceives Constantine for his authentic self. To him and his actions within the cosmos, Nez seems to take precedence over everything else. He strives to uphold that standard and ensure she is prepared to ascend the throne. I don’t believe he views it as a desire for the position himself. Instead, he finds contentment in her success. That’s what makes him so endearing.

House Atreides And The Planet Arrakis Play Very Different Roles In The Story

In the original “Dune” novel, the narrative begins when House Atreides takes charge of Arrakis, the sole planet in the Imperium that harvests the precious spice melange. However, in “Dune: Prophecy,” both House Atreides and Arrakis find themselves in drastically different situations. The main Atreides character, swordsman Keiran (portrayed by Chris Mason), is not a powerful political figure like Paul or Leto, but rather an individual with significant conflicting loyalties who holds a seemingly minor role at the Imperial court. Unlike in the original story, Arrakis is more of a topic of discussion among the characters, often spoken about with concern, anxiety, and dreams, rather than a central setting that’s frequently depicted – a choice made intentionally by the author.

Question: What’s it like portraying a character connected to the legendary House Atreides family, potentially even an ancestor of Paul, in a well-known work of fiction?

Mason: The audition process was amusing since we used pseudonyms during our tryouts to remain unaware of the project. When I secured the role, it was my first discovery that it was an Atreides part. My initial response was something like “Wow, amazing!” followed by a moment of double-checking to confirm. I remember thinking “Hold on, that’s not-” before realizing, “Wow, okay, that’s quite significant.

It’s been fantastic to join the show, review the scripts, collaborate with Allison [Schapker], and delve into the books. Essentially, we’re crafting a fresh character here. Since this doesn’t occur after Dune, there are no cinematic influences to consider. Instead, we’re forging something novel: an Atreides in unique circumstances. There will undoubtedly be shared traits within the family, but it’s going to be a distinct voyage for the Atreides. This journey, over time, will eventually intersect with Paul Atreides’ story, though that’s thousands of years away. It’s incredibly exciting!

A: How can I craft a Dune narrative that isn’t heavily set on Arrakis, yet maintain its integral role in the plot since it isn’t extensively depicted?

What makes Spice and Arrakis remarkable is their immense influence over the entire Imperium. Since nothing functions without them, this small location holds an extraordinary economic, political, and social power. I believe it also serves as a canvas for people’s imaginations, with many projections, fears, and mythologies surrounding it. We aimed to create a story that not only left us spellbound by Arrakis but also reflected its genuine political and economic impact on the narrative. After all, even if you weren’t on Arrakis, its influence would still mold life in the Imperium significantly.

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2024-11-17 18:14