Dune: Prophecy star says her show has “moral complexity…it’s not like Star Wars”

Dune: Prophecy star says her show has "moral complexity...it's not like Star Wars"

As a long-time fan of both Dune and Star Wars, I find myself eagerly anticipating the upcoming releases from these iconic franchises. The announcement of Dune: Prophecy, set millennia before the events of the movies, promises to delve deeper into the complex world of Arrakis and the enigmatic Harkonnens. Emily Watson’s portrayal of Valya Harkonnen in this new HBO series has piqued my interest, especially given her assertion that the family is less extreme than their later counterparts.

Part Two” was a big success when it hit theaters earlier this year. Although we have to wait a few more years for “Part Three”, Warner Bros. Discovery is planning another trip to Arrakis sooner rather than later. This time, they are introducing a new HBO series titled “Dune: Prophecy”. This series, set millennia before the events of “Dune”, will focus on Valya and Tula Harkonnen (played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams respectively), who are sisters involved in the formation of the Bene Gesserit order.

In the Dune movies, the Harkonnens are portrayed as one of the universe’s cruelest families, their terrifying appearance being a result of inhabiting a planet with a dark sun. However, at this early stage in the series, they aren’t as intimidating. According to Watson, while they remain a dysfunctional family, they are more “human and complex” rather than the extreme depictions of characters like Baron Vladimir Harkonnen or his ruthless nephews. They have been toned down for better audience relatability in the initial stages of the series.

Watson additionally discussed her overall experience on the show in broader terms. She expressed that it was both thrilling and reassuring to venture into this realm, knowing she possessed the necessary skills to create authenticity. She further stated that it presents an intriguing color scheme as it avoids being childish or like a typical space opera such as Star Wars. Instead, it offers moral complexity, which is captivating.

Is Star Wars “childish”?

Expressing it differently, it’s hard to provoke controversy online more than suggesting that the popular franchise, “Star Wars,” which has a substantial adult fanbase, is intended for children. This statement raises an intriguing question: To what extent can “Star Wars” be considered juvenile?

George Lucas, the creator, has consistently stated that both the original and prequel trilogies were intended for children, which is why their characterization isn’t inaccurate. However, given the massive scale of the Star Wars franchise, it can be challenging to categorize everything under a single label. For instance, the Star Wars show Andor seems to have a more mature tone, while the upcoming series Skeleton Crew appears tailored for family viewing.

Contrarily, it’s rare to find a children-friendly interpretation of “Dune”. Frank Herbert’s books are complex and sometimes difficult to understand, and the movies progress at a slow pace that makes it challenging to think kids would have the endurance for them. However, Denis Villeneuve’s recent Dune movies are rated PG-13 instead of R, suggesting that the studio is trying to appeal to a broader audience, including children.

It seems likely that the film “Dune: Prophecy” will offer more moral depth than typical Star Wars movies, yet being morally complex isn’t inherently good; it’s simply the kind of story they’re trying to convey. Star Wars offers a unique experience too – there’s space for all kinds of stories!

Dune: Prophecy will air on HBO and Max this November. The next Star Wars thing to come out is Skeleton Crew, which will hit Disney+ on December 3.

2024-09-18 19:41

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