Cinema Legend Tabu Joins Cast of "Dune: Prophecy" Series

Tabu, known by her full name Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, has joined the cast of the new series "Dune: Prophecy," a spin-off of Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction adaptation. Initially titled "Dune: The Sisterhood" before being renamed "Dune: Prophecy," the series has undergone a lengthy preparation period. The originally selected lead actress, Shirley Henderson, and director Johan Renck left the project, resulting in the series being postponed indefinitely.

Set 10,000 years before Frank Herbert’s famous 1965 science fiction novel "Dune," the series focuses on the origins of the Bene Gesserit order and the two Harkonnen sisters who founded this community. The series is based on Brian Herbert’s book "Sisterhood of Dune," which expanded the Dune universe after his father's death.

Tabu to Play Reverend Mother Francesca in "Dune: Prophecy"

"Dune: Part Two" is currently the highest-grossing film of 2024. The new TV series aims to expand the film's universe into the past.

According to Variety, Tabu, one of the legendary actresses of Indian cinema, has joined the cast of the Max series "Dune: Prophecy." The famous actress is best known in the West for her role in "Life of Pi," where she starred alongside Irrfan Khan and Suraj Sharma, playing Gita Patel.

Tabu, whose real name is Tabassum Fatima Hashmi, has been a prominent figure in Bollywood for over 20 years. During her career, she has won more than 40 awards and received over 80 nominations. In "Dune: Prophecy," she will share the screen with actresses such as Camilla Beeput ("Hijack," "The Suspect"), Sarah Lam ("Shanghai Surprise," "Lucky Man"), Emily Watson ("Breaking the Waves," "Punch-Drunk Love"), and Olivia Williams ("The Ghost," "The Sixth Sense").

Tabu’s character, Reverend Mother Francesca, is described in the books as powerful, intelligent, and charismatic. The series will be directed by Anna Foerster ("The Day After Tomorrow," "Underworld: Blood Wars"), John Cameron ("Legion," "Fargo"), and Richard J. Lewis ("Westworld," "A Million Little Things").

The Bene Gesserit order is depicted as a mysterious community of powerful women who pull the strings of power from behind the scenes and possess the ability to influence others using the Voice according to their desires.

The "Dune: Prophecy" series will be released in 2024.