While fans await Denis Villeneuve‘s “Dune: Part Two,” in theaters (tentatively) next November, another “Dune” project looms on the horizon: HBO Max‘s “Dune: The Sisterhood.” And anticipation is already high for the upcoming series, with Emily Watson, Shirley Henderson, and Indira Varma leading the show’s cast. Now Deadline reports three more joining the ensemble: Mark Strong, Jade Anouka, and Chris Mason.
“Sisterhood” takes place 10,000 years before the saga of Paul Atreides and focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit. Watson and Henderson play the Harkonnen sisters, who create the secretive feminine sect to combat the galaxy’s other political forces. The rest of the show’s plot becomes more focused with these new castings. Strong plays Emperor Javicco Corrino, a man from a great line of war-time Emperors called to govern the Imperium and manage its fragile peace. He’s also the husband of Varma’s Empress Natalya.
Meanwhile, Anouka plays Sister Theodosia, an ambitious acolyte of the Sisterhood with a dangerous past. And Mason plays Keiran Atreides, a swordmaster to a Great House whose ambitions get thwarted when he forms an unexpected connection to a royal family member. For those familiar with Frank Herbert‘s “Dune” books, Atreides, Corrino, and Harkonnen are big names throughout the saga, so fans may rest assured “Sisterhood” understands his legacy.
Strong’s recent work includes Todd Field‘s “TÁR,” “Nocebo,” and “Cruella.” Anouka is a series regular on “His Dark Materials.” Other recent roles for her include Steve McQueen‘s “Small Axe” and the British miniseries “The Drowning.” Mason stars in “Broadchurch” and “Dirty John.”
Don’t expect “Dune: The Sisterhood” to be out before “Dune: Part Two,” but both projects are in production now. But with Legendary Television co-producing the series with HBO Max, expect “Sisterhood” to live up to Villeneuve’s films (and, more importantly, Herbert’s books). Stay tuned for more casting news on this series.