Fans of sci-fi franchise Dune will be glad to know that there’s a new series in production. Titled Dune: Prophecy, the prequel series has just announced Tabu as one of its stars. The Indian starlet will have a recurring role as Sister Francesca in the MAX series.

About Dune: Prophecy

Set within the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Dune: Prophecy is inspired by the novel Sisterhood Of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

Tabu will portray Sister Francesca in the series. Said to be strong, intelligent, and alluring, the character leaves a lasting impression in her wake. Once a great love of the Emperor her return to the palace strains the balance of power in the capital.

Who Is Tabu

One of the biggest stars in India. She has won the National Film Award for Best Actress twice and received eight Filmfare Awards, including a record four Critics Awards for Best Actress. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India which is the highest honour in the country; it is akin to being knighted.

Tabu’s international credits include the critically acclaimed BBC miniseries A Suitable Boy, Ang Lee’s Life of Pi for Fox 2000, and The Namesake for Fox Searchlight. She can be seen in the internationally successful Khufiya for Netflix. Khufiya screened at this year’s Indian Film Festival of LA (IFFLA); she was also previously honoured at the festival for her film Andhadhun.

The Cast

Joining Tabu in Dune: Prophecy are Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May and Mark Strong. Previously announced cast members include Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin.

When Is It Out?

Dune: Prophecy is currently in production and is expected to debut later this year. The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise that has released two instalments to critical acclaim, the first of which garnered six Academy Awards.

Although Dune: Prophecy is still months away from its debut, audiences can still visit the hit sci-fi franchise with Dune on HBO GO.

(Photo: Prabhat Shetty)