Emily Watson Teases New Adventures in 'Dune: Prophecy' Season 2

Emily Watson, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in independent cinema, is stepping into new territory with HBO Max's "Dune: Prophecy." Currently serving as the jury president at the Sarajevo Film Festival and receiving the Heart of Sarajevo Award, Watson shared her excitement about the show’s upcoming second season, which she describes as a significant departure from her previous work.

"It was a true departure for me to be in a spaceship. You know, it’s actually really good fun," Watson remarked at the Variety Lounge. Returning as Valya Harkonnen, she expressed a unique thrill about her character's journey, noting, "I experienced a sense of being on a quest in a way that actors always get to do and actresses don’t." She added, with a hint of humor, that there are “lots of new elements” in the upcoming season that she is unable to reveal.

Watson is also eagerly anticipating Denis Villeneuve's upcoming film, "Dune: Part Three," stating her admiration for the director and the talented cast involved. Reflecting on her experience in the expansive world of "Dune," she appreciated the collaborative spirit of the project, especially among younger performers. Watson emphasized the importance of mentorship within the film industry, urging established actors to nurture relationships with less experienced individuals.

Returning to Sarajevo has been an emotional journey for Watson, who first visited in 2005 as a curator. She reflected on her deep connection to the late Katrin Cartlidge and the festival's embodiment of culture as a form of resistance. In addition to her role in "Dune: Prophecy," Watson recently completed filming Mira Nair’s historical drama “AMRI,” where she portrays the mother of Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil, describing it as an incredible adventure.

Source: variety.com