Dune: Prophecy star Shalom Brune-Franklin tells us about the twist with her character Mikaela

Dune: Prophecy star Shalom Brune-Franklin tells us about the twist with her character Mikaela

As a fan of captivating performances and intriguing storylines, I find myself utterly enthralled by Shalom Brune-Franklin‘s portrayal of Mikaela in Dune: Prophecy. Her journey from a Fremen woman working in a nightclub on Salusa Secundus to a Bene Gesseris sister is nothing short of mesmerizing, and her ability to keep viewers guessing about her true allegiances is truly commendable.


In the most recent installment of “Dune: Prophecy,” titled “Two Wolves,” we delve deeper into the character of Mikaela, a Fremen woman, who secretly works for a rebellion against the ruling Corrino family while also serving as a swordmaster within it on the planet Salusa Secundus. This episode uncovers that Mikaela is not just a rebel but also a Bene Gesseris sister, disguising her allegiance to the rebellion to maintain the Sisterhood’s grasp on power.

In no time at all, we gather plenty of insights into Mikaela! I had a fascinating chat with Shalom Brune-Franklin, the actor portraying Mikaela, discussing her role in the series. Don’t miss our unique interview right here!

WinterIsComing: How did you get involved in dune prophecy?

“Previously, I worked on a show directed by the casting director. We were about to finish when an audition came for this new role. At that time, I knew nothing about Dune. My agent suggested I watch the current film version first since some parts might be confusing, like the sandworm. And she was right.

My connection with it was quite minimal. If I had chanced upon a poster in London, I might have thought, “That seems interesting,” and perhaps even tried out for the role. To my surprise, I landed the part, and the scripts were captivating – it was genuinely enjoyable to immerse myself in them. The experience reminded me of being thrown into deep water without warning, a phrase often used as ‘baptism by fire.’ Essentially, that’s how things unfolded for me.

Brune-Franklin: “It’s incredibly enjoyable! I adore portraying characters like these, and it isn’t a new experience for me. Could I be pigeonholed as this type of enigmatic double agent? Am I embodying double agent vibes in my real life? I’m not certain. In fact, I believe I’m quite the opposite; I’m extremely open-hearted, if you ask me.

“I enjoy portraying characters like this one and I find it exciting knowing that viewers might see my character in the first episode and wonder who she is, perhaps noticing her subtle glance towards Atreides. They won’t fully understand the context at that point. But I relish that mystery. After people watch Episode 2, they can revisit that initial scene with a better understanding of its significance. They might realize that my character is someone to be wary of and should perhaps stay away from her, given the high stakes involved. It’s an enjoyable challenge as an actor to play such a deceitful character without revealing too much about their true intentions.

Brune-Franklin: Indeed, it’s intriguing. I recall discussing with Alison potential scenarios where this might unfold. It was quite a private conversation between us, but circumstances could shift as events progress. However, for me, I had to speculate about how a Fremen woman, originally from Arrakis and part of the Sisterhood, came to be. Given their strong bond and loyalty, it’s unusual for one to be away from her home planet. We witness the histories of many women who join the Sisterhood, and it appears that many do so when they have no other options. I believe Mikaela falls into this category.

: “Absolutely, I adore working with Chris and Emily; they’re fantastic and a joy to be around. Plus, the scenes between Valya and Mikaela are delightful because they show a lighter, more playful side of Valya that I appreciate. It was entertaining to explore these moments as we went along…I thoroughly enjoyed working with both of them. It was an amazing experience.

Speaker: “Indeed, my first visit left me speechless. I stood there, jaw dropped, utterly amazed. The level of detail and craftsmanship in that set is extraordinary. If only everyone could witness it, for it’s truly a sight to behold. The lighting was particularly captivating, creating an illusion of a cylindrical tunnel with a striking red glow at the end, emblazoned with a unique symbol – leading directly to the bar. Walking through with the props master, he explained the intricacies and creativity behind the various devices and vials they’ve created. The freedom to innovate and have fun was evident, making me think, ‘You’ve got the coolest job ever. This is awesome.’ It was truly awe-inspiring.

Brune-Franklin: “I can’t wait for viewers to observe Mikaela’s internal conflict between being a Fremen and showing some sympathy towards the rebellion, all while having to prioritize sisterhood because of the vow she made. I’m curious to see what will unfold.

Appreciate Shalom Brune-Franklin for the engaging conversation we had! Don’t miss new installments of “Dune: Prophecy” every Sunday evening on HBO and Max.

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2024-11-26 17:41

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