Dune: Prophecy Star Emily Watson Talks The Great Tragedy Of Valya’s Life

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As a devoted fan of Dune: Prophecy, I find myself deeply moved by the intricate portrayal of Bene Gesserit Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen. Her character, skillfully brought to life by Emily Watson, is a poignant depiction of a woman whose life has been irrevocably shaped by tragedy.

Initially appearing in the debut episode of HBO’s “Dune: Prophecy,” Bene Gesserit Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen is a woman who has been toughened by the weight of numerous misfortunes throughout her life. Delving deeper into her storyline in the third episode, titled “Sisterhood Above All,” we learn that the loss of her brother Griffin serves as the principal cause for her distancing and grief in the series.

In a recent gathering with Game Rant, I, as the portrayer of Valya, delved into the profound impact that Griffin’s demise has had on my life’s trajectory and intricate dynamics with Harrow, the youthful leader of House Harkonnen. This pivotal event has undeniably reshaped these crucial relationships I share within the narrative of our shared cinematic universe.

Valya Saw Griffin As Her “Perfect Person”

Griffin Harkonnen was a promising scion of House Harkonnen, with his older siblings Valya and Tula (played by Olivia Williams). Exiled to the remote world of Lankiveil, the Harkonnens looked up to Griffin as their chance for renewed power. However, when he met his end at the hands of Vorian Atreides, the surviving members of House Harkonnen were left devastated. Valya retreated into seclusion, Tula (Olivia Williams) became resolute in her pursuit of revenge, and Evgeny (Mark Addy) harbored resentment for the rest of his days.

Valya’s current character – distant towards others except Tula and capable of making tough decisions without emotion – can be attributed to the loss of her relationship with Griffin. Although she nurtures a deep affection for her Bene Gesserit acolytes, no one else comes close to filling Griffin’s void in her life. Watson elaborated on what Valya lost upon parting ways with Griffin:

It seems she holds an almost illogical adoration for Griffin. To her, he’s more than just a love interest; he’s the epitome of perfection. In her eyes, their relationship is flawless, and everyone else might find it hard to comprehend this level of admiration.

She Looks Down On Harrow Because He Isn’t Griffin

Following Valya’s realization that the Bene Gesserit are waning in their power over Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong), she hesitantly allies with the young leader Harrow to carry out a scheme within the Landsraad. According to Edward Davis, who plays Harrow, he has long been likened to Griffin by Evgeny. By the time of Dune: Prophecy, Harrow understands that he is not strong or the new Griffin, and is consistently belittled because he lacks the charm, physique, and extroversion of the deceased heir.

When asked if Valya ever considered Harrow as a replacement for Griffin, or if her connection to her late brother played any role in her decision to work with Harrow, Emily Watson chuckled. “To her, Harrow is more like an insignificant worm compared to Griffin,” Watson implied, suggesting a small, wriggling creature rather than the colossal sandworms from the planet Dune, known for their valuable spice and interstellar travel capabilities.

Valya Harkonnen is a complex character, influenced by so many things: her family’s past, her bond with Tula, her responsibilities as Bene Gesserit Mother Superior, and her desire to see the Sisterhood further its goals and influence. But few things stay with her as strongly as the loss of her beloved Griffin. Nobody she meets in her life will ever compare: not Tula, not the acolytes of the Sisterhood, and most certainly not the “worm” Harrow. Season 2 of Dune: Prophecy, which has recently been confirmed by HBO, will likely explore Valya’s trauma, past, and motivations further as she pursues a new goal in the wake of Season 1’s events.

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2024-12-24 00:23