Emily Watson Draws Inspiration from Star Wars for Her Role in Dune: Prophecy

Acclaimed actress Emily Watson is set to make a significant impact in the upcoming sci-fi series, Dune: Prophecy, where she plays the role of Valya Harkonnen, one of the two Harkonnen sisters who form the Bene Gesserit. The series, a prequel to the original Dune story, is set 10,000 years before the life of Paul Atreides and explores the early days of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.

In preparation for her role, Watson drew inspiration from an unexpected source: Alec Guinness’s portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise. Despite not being familiar with the science fiction genre, Watson admired Guinness’s commanding presence and his ability to make complex dialogue sound like Shakespeare. This approach helped her navigate the rich and intricate world of Dune.

Watson’s background as a classically trained actress, similar to Guinness, played a significant role in her decision to look to his performance for inspiration. Both actors have a strong foundation in Shakespearean roles, which they leveraged to bring depth and nuance to their sci-fi characters. Watson noted that the Dune universe is a “rich territory for acting,” offering a lot to explore and interpret.

The cast of Dune: Prophecy also includes Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Mark Strong, and several other notable actors. The series is directed by Anna Foerster and created by Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker, with contributions from writers Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert, who are known for their work within the Dune franchise.