With the Dune films having commanded a vice grip on avid sci-fi fans the world over, the latest Dune development that sent fans into a frenzy was seeing Bollywood actor Tabu in the latest one-minute teaser for the eagerly awaited prequel series, Dune: Prophecy.
The prequel series begins with the founding members of the Bene Gesserit as their influence over the Great Houses grows. Set 10,000 years before Paul Atreides’ ascent, this series explores the origins of the Dune universe. In her Hollywood debut, Tabu portrays Sister Francesca, characterised as “strong, intelligent, and alluring.” According to the official synopsis, Sister Francesca was once a great love of the emperor, and her return to the palace strains the balance of power in the capital.
As the short teaser dropped on the Max official YouTube channel, fans did not hold back as they took to their keyboards to gush over Tabu, who appears 45 seconds into the short clip. “I would like to emphasise how much I’m here for the legendary Tabu!” wrote one delighted fan in the comments section of the video. “Absolutely iconic in this and all roles.”
Other fans nursed similar sentiments, with one commenter declaring, “Tabu my queen!” Meanwhile, reacting to stills across X and Instagram of a stern-looking Sister Francesca clad head to toe in black, one awed fan wrote, “Mother is… mothering.” A separate fan announced, “Here for Tabu supremacy in Dune: Prophecy.”
Proving that fantasy encompasses a wide fan base, Harry Potter fans came out of the woodwork to register their approval. “Professor Snape fem version,” wrote one fan, still soaking in the memory of JK Rowling’s Severus Snape’s permanent disapproving glare. Embarking on the same theme, another wrote, “Professor McGonagall’s younger days.”
Harry Potter aficionado or not, the one thing all fans agreed on was that Tabu looks all set to rock her Dune role. With the comments section of the teaser strewn with hearts and fire emojis, one keen fan penned, “Tabu finally gets her shot at the leagues!” as another wrote, “Her plans are measured in centuries.”
The Dune prequel series has been in the works for five years under the banner of Max (at the time HBO Max). When the streamer released the first teaser in May, Indian fans had been disappointed that Tabu was nowhere to be seen. However, appetites were sated with the latest teaser. “She will be killing it in this role!” predicted one commenter.
Dune: Prophecy is inspired by the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson. According to the official synopsis, the prequel show follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. Along with Tabu, Dune: Prophecy also features Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Travis Fimmel. The show is set to release in November this year, comprising six episodes in the first season.
Upon landing the role of Sister Francesca in the series, Tabu had earlier shared her excitement and stated, “I am thrilled to be a part of the massive global franchise, Dune: Prophecy, and to be working with some of the most brilliant creators, actors, and crew in the industry.”
If the reactions to the actor’s appearance in the latest trailer are anything to go by, it is clear that hardcore Tabu fans now hold nothing but great expectations from what she will bring to the series.
