‘Dune: Prophecy’ Casts ‘End of the F—ing World’ Star Jessica Barden (EXCLUSIVE)
The Max prequel series “Dune: Prophecy” has added Jessica Barden in a recurring guest star role, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series was originally commissioned in 2019 under the title “Dune: The Sisterhood.” It is inspired by the novel “Sisterhood of Dune” written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The official logline states, “From the expansive universe of ‘Dune,’ created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ 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.”
More from Variety
Barden will appear as the young Valya Harkonnen, with the elder version of the character being played by Emily Watson. The young Valya is described as “Ambitious, stubborn and forceful. Young Valya Harkonnen dreams of restoring her family’s noble status. When a tragedy shatters her plans for the future, she finds herself on a new path that leads to the Sisterhood.”
Barden is perhaps best known for her role in the Channel 4 series “The End of the F—ing World.” Her recent TV credits include Season 3 of “American Horror Stories” at for FX/Hulu, the ITV series “You & Me,” and the Netflix limited series “Pieces of Her” opposite Toni Collette. She has also starred in films like “Scarborough,” “Holler,” “Pink Skies Ahead,” and “The Lobster.”
She is repped by CAA, Curtis Brown Group, Range Media Partners, and Goodman Genow.
“Dune: Prophecy” will also star: Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin.
Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. Diane Ademu-John co-developed the series and serves as executive producer. Anna Foerster executive produced and directed multiple episodes including the first. Jordan Goldberg, Mark Tobey, John Cameron, Matthew King, Scott Z. Burns, and Jon Spaihts executive produce with Brian Herbert, along with Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert as executive producers for the Frank Herbert estate. Anderson serves as co-producer. The series is co-produced by Max and Legendary Television with Legendary also producing the film franchise.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
