The world of Dune has expanded more this year than ever before. We witnessed Dune: Part Two on the big screen, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in the lead roles. A couple of months later, the makers announced Dune: Prophecy, an HBO Max original series that takes us into the past of the story that has unfolded in the two movies. Set in history, it tells the story of the Sisterhood that will eventually evolve into the Bene Gesserit. While this twist in the Dune franchise is very intriguing, Indian fans were particularly surprised by the news that followed. It was announced that Indian star Tabu would be playing a recurring and pivotal role in the show. This news left everyone curious about the character she would portray. As it turns out, she is, in many ways, the catalyst for everything in Prophecy.

Tabu was announced as one of the leading ladies of Dune: Prophecy a few weeks ago. We saw a teaser release following the announcement, and then a trailer that gave us a clear look at the star and her character. While there was no dialogue from her in the trailer, it was revealed that she is playing Sister Francesca in the show—a very pivotal character. But who is Sister Francesca? How is she so important to the story of Dune: Prophecy? Read on to find out everything you need to know. 

Who Is Sister Francesca?

Dune: Prophecy is essentially the backstory to the Dune films, specifically the origin of the Bene Gesserit. It is set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet in the films. The series follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and lay the foundation for the fabled sect that will eventually become the Bene Gesserit. Tabu stars as Sister Francesca. While not much is known about the character, early synopses describe her as an influential figure in the show.

The synopsis defines Tabu’s Sister Francesca as: “Sister Francesca is strong, intelligent, and alluring, leaving a lasting impression wherever she goes. Once the great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace disrupts the delicate balance of power in the capital.” This suggests that her return to the land is what sparks the chaos. Her silent and deadly gaze in the trailer signifies the havoc she is about to unleash in the show. She has a recurring role, which means she may continue to play a part in future seasons and perhaps even cross over into the film franchise.

Tabu on Sister Francesca

Speaking about her character, Tabu said, “It has been an extraordinary experience playing Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy right from the moment I was approached for it, and I said yes without batting an eyelid. It’s an actor’s delight to be trusted by the creators with a character that is so interesting, intriguing, intelligent, and emotionally powerful. Needless to say, it was such an immersive process diving into the depths of her complexity. I’m so excited to bring her story to the Indian and global audience through JioCinema. Stay tuned as you’ll see me a little later in the season, but the Dune Universe is so rich in its history and intrigue, I can’t wait for audiences around the world to explore it!”

Tune in to watch Dune: Prophecy in November, exclusively on JioCinema Premium.