The Rise of Emperor Corrino in the Sci-Fi Series “Dune: Prophecy”
JEDDAH: Prepare to be transported back 10,000 years before the events of the recent “Dune” movies in the latest big-budget sci-fi series, “Dune: Prophecy.” This HBO Max show, available for streaming in the Middle East on OSN+, delves into the origins of the shadowy Bene Gesserit sisterhood. British actor Mark Strong embodies the role of Emperor Javicco Corrino, a man who has ascended to the position of ruler of the galaxy during tumultuous times.
No stranger to portraying characters in positions of power, Strong brings a unique twist to his portrayal of Emperor Corrino. Known for his recent role as the ruthless mob boss Carmine Falcone in HBO’s “Penguin,” Strong describes his character as one with vulnerabilities and uncertainties, unlike typical power-hungry leaders seen on screen.
“I’m playing a very interesting version of the guy in charge,” Strong tells Arab News. “So, he is the emperor of the universe, which is a great part to play as an actor, obviously, but what’s fascinating about him is his vulnerability — the fact that he is managing a fragile peace.”
“The guy isn’t what I normally am asked to play, which is people with power who know what they’re doing. He’s very unsure of himself. He doesn’t feel like he’s inherited the ability of his father, he feels a bit of an imposter. He’s trying to deal with a world that he’s not in control of. And I love that juxtaposition of a man that’s supposed to be in charge and supposed to know what he’s doing, and actually he’s very unsure of himself.”
For Strong, the success of the current “Dune” movie and TV franchise lies in the complexity and richness of the source material. He acknowledges that the novels by Frank Herbert have laid the foundation for modern science fiction, inspiring iconic franchises like “Star Trek” and “Star Wars.”
“It’s a world that you want to try and have a go at, because nobody’s done it before. The series, obviously, is set before the movies and in a very different world. And it’s great to have a go at something that that is as fresh as this.”