E mily Watson and Olivia Williams both have decades of acting experience, but they're still trying new things – namely, joining a big sci-fi franchise like Dune. Both actors hav

British stars Emily Watson and Olivia Williams have joined forces in Max’s “Dune: Prophecy,” the prequel series to the blockbuster “Dune” movies with deeper themes of women in power and the influence they’re capable of wielding.

The British actress, star of two of the most influential films of the 1990s ('The Sixth Sense,' 'Rushmore'), plays Tula Harkonnen in HBO's epic series prequel to the 'Dune' movies.

The actor was unfamiliar with the 'Dune' universe before taking the part of Tula Harkonnen in the prequel series, but history provided ample fodder for her character.

Those who aren’t au fait with the books have probably watched the Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya-anchored film franchise, with the second movie releasing earlier this year.

The bar is high regarding HBO’s Dune series, but it was a challenge the show’s cast and crew were willing to meet. Set in Frank Herbert’s Dune universe, Dune: Prophecy focuses on the early days of the Galactic Imperium as the Bene Gesserit sisterhood and the Landsraad houses embark on a quest for power and influence.