Jodhi May talks about Empress Natalya’s maneuvers on Dune: Prophecy

As a movie critic with a penchant for intricate storylines and complex characters, I must say that Jodhi May’s portrayal of Empress Natalya in Dune: Prophecy has been nothing short of captivating. With her impressive resume spanning from Game of Thrones to The Witcher, she effortlessly brings depth and nuance to a character who is subtly maneuvering the political landscape of the Imperium.

In the epic saga of Dune: Prophecy, a multitude of characters grace the stage, including Valya and Tula Harkonnen, the enigmatic Desmond Hart, Emperor Javicco Corrino, and his empress, Natalya. Among this bustling crowd, some characters may seem to fade into the background, but that would be a grave oversight. As the latest episode demonstrated, Empress Natalya is quietly orchestrating significant maneuvers behind the scenes, even when she’s not the focus of attention. She has subtly revealed Desmond Hart’s involvement in the murder of Pruitt Richese and given him the means to take action against the emperor’s adversaries, strengthening his position clandestinely.

In a different phrasing: Jodhi May, known for her roles in “Game of Thrones” and “The Witcher”, portrays Natalya. We had the opportunity to chat with her about various topics, including her on-screen husband (the emperor), her family, Desmond Hart, among other intriguing aspects. Delve into our exclusive interview below!

A: I’d like to inquire about Natalya’s relationship with her husband, Javicco. Their marriage appears to be an arranged one. It seems that she takes actions he isn’t fully aware of. Is there genuine love between them or is it primarily political maneuvering? Does she hold him in high regard?

Jodhi May: “I believe genuine love exists within their relationship, yes. If not, I don’t think Natalya would feel such profound disillusionment and disappointment. So, it appears to me that this relationship started with sincere emotions. However, for Natalya, the problem lies in her belief that her husband’s excessive reliance on the Sisterhood has destroyed their marriage, emasculated him, and jeopardized his ability to safeguard his daughter’s future. This is where they fundamentally disagree; Natalya doesn’t want her daughter to suffer the same fate as her husband, who she feels has been shaped by the Sisterhood.

In essence, it’s at this point that their interests collide. She must navigate this tricky situation, maintain control without causing a scene, and this might call for the cunning tactics of a seasoned politician.

In simpler terms, it seems that Natalya spends quite a bit of time with her daughter Inez, but not as much with Constantine, whom I assume is her stepson. What could be Natalya’s perspective on her relationship with Constantine?

Jodhi May expressed her curiosity about unexplored aspects of the show, particularly the fusion of family and the dynamic between a stepson and other family members. She finds it intriguing and believes there will be complex relationships to delve into. Currently, she perceives the situation as peaceful, but anticipates future episodes will bring unexpected challenges that may disrupt this balance. At present, she is just as clueless about these developments as the audience is.

Question: What qualities or traits does Natalya find appealing about Desmond Hart that make her quick to welcome him into the Imperium compared to others?

Jodhi May explains that the dynamic between her character and Desmond Hart is intriguing because it appears she views him as a means to an end, demonstrating opportunism and practicality. However, he also represents someone who shares her outsider perspective, both mistrustful of the Sisterhood, and embracing mysticism through Shai-Hulud. This makes their relationship complex, filled with dramatic tension that will keep viewers on their toes as it unfolds. She suggests that neither character has fully committed to one side, leaving a sense of danger and excitement about how their relationship develops.

Appreciate you, Jodhi May, for taking the time to chat with us! Don’t forget to catch new episodes of “Dune: Prophecy” every Sunday on HBO.

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2024-12-16 17:41

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