HBO Max’s Dune: The Sisterhood Prequel Brings Emily Watson & Shirley Henderson to a New Chapter

HBO Max’s Dune: The Sisterhood Prequel Brings Emily Watson & Shirley Henderson to a New Chapter

Meet the New Harkonnen Siblings in Dune: The Sisterhood

HBO Max’s latest deep‑cut into Frank Herbert’s universe just got a star‑powered boost. Dune: The Sisterhood now boasts two seasoned actresses—Emily Watson and Shirley Henderson—dying to bring the fierce family dynamics of the Harkonnens to life.

Who’s Who?

  • Emily Watson as Valya Harkonnen – the sharp‑eyed schemer who’s already climbing the ranks of the Sisterhood.
  • Shirley Henderson as Tula Harkonnen – the sweet‑tough sister carving her own path toward becoming a Bene Gesserit.

Why These Actresses? The Fun Backgrounds

Watson, the gorgeous talent behind Breaking the Waves and Hilary and Jackie, brings a gravitas that’s earned her two Oscar nods for Best Actress. Her roles in Red Dragon and The Book Thief showcase her versatility, and her Emmy‑winning turn in Chernobyl proves she can keep a room (or a screen) on its toes.

Henderson, forever known as the iconic Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter, proved her chops in Bridget Jones and in the raw power of Trainspotting (and even the action‑packed Okja). Her track record shows she’s capable of delivering both charm and edge.

Behind the Scenes

Created in 2019, Dune: The Sisterhood is a straight‑to‑series order for HBO Max. Director Johan Renck—who helmed Chernobyl—will guide the first two episodes, promising a slick, atmospheric start to the saga.

The Plot in a Nutshell

Set 10,000 years before the original Dune films, the show offers a fresh angle: the Harkonnen sisters battling ominous forces while building the legendary Sisterhood that eventually becomes the Bene Gesserit. It’s a cosmic game of power, intrigue, and a dash of destiny—plus, of course, the chance to see the family drama unfold in a slick visual feast.

Stay tuned, because this is the epicenter where Harkonnen drama and Bene Gesserit mystique collide—blending the gritty, the mystical, and a whole lot of stellar acting.