Emily Watson Reflects on Her Journey with ‘Dune: Prophecy’

At the Sarajevo Film Festival, the Oscar-nominated actress, Emily Watson, was honored as the president of the jury and the recipient of a Heart of Sarajevo Award. As the star of HBO Max’s ‘Dune: Prophecy’, Watson has embarked on a significant departure from her lauded career in independent and arthouse films, such as Lars von Trier’s ‘Breaking the Waves’ and Robert Altman’s ‘Gosford Park.’

Reprising her role as Valya Harkonnen in the upcoming second season of the series, Watson shared her experience of being part of a massive ensemble of young performers. ‘It’s HBO Max, it’s huge. A lot of money. It’s a sense of it being much more than a corporate world,’ she said. ‘But it was a big ensemble of young women, some young men, who were all relatively new to the business.’

Watson’s role in ‘Dune: Prophecy’ has provided her with a unique opportunity to mentor young performers, a passion she has always had. ‘I always give people advice to nurture a relationship with somebody less experienced,’ she noted. ‘Interconnectedness is how we all survive. Surviving in the world of independent film is hard. There are so many things that fall by the wayside, get destroyed and steamrolled.’

When asked about the highly secretive series, Watson offered a brief tease: ‘There are a lot of new elements, really interesting and intriguing things […] I think my head will blow off if I mention any of them.’

Watson also spoke about her upcoming historical drama ‘AMRI’, where she plays the mother of the Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil. ‘I left Harkonnen and went straight to that,’ recalled the actress. ‘I’m playing a Hungarian woman, so we were shooting in Budapest, then we went to India, and I was suddenly surrounded by Indian actors and crew with Mira, and it was the most amazing adventure.’

The actress revisited Lars von Trier’s ‘Breaking the Waves’ at the festival, which she called a ‘very emotional’ experience. ‘Also just being here, meeting all these incredible filmmakers, seeing these amazing films… This festival feels like the pure form of what a festival should be. It embodies the idea that culture is resistance.’

As for what’s next, Watson is eagerly awaiting the release of Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part Three’. ‘I mean, I can’t wait to see that movie,’ she promptly responded. ‘I’m a huge fan of him, obviously, and it’s stuffed full of incredible actors that I love.’

Emily Watson’s Journey with ‘Dune: Prophecy’ and Beyond

• Watson’s experience with ‘Dune: Prophecy’ has been a significant departure from her previous work in independent and arthouse films.
• She has enjoyed the opportunity to mentor young performers and nurture relationships within the industry.
• Watson is also set to star in the historical drama ‘AMRI’, playing the mother of the Hungarian-Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil.
• The actress is eagerly awaiting the release of Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune: Part Three’.