Shalom Brune-Franklin, who portrays the enigmatic Mikaela in HBO’s “Dune: Prophecy,” recently shed light on her character’s intricate journey and the conflicting loyalties that drive her actions. In an exclusive interview, Brune-Franklin delved into Mikaela’s internal struggles, the pivotal moments that define her arc, and the uncertainties that lie ahead in the season finale.
Mikaela’s Dedication to the Sisterhood
Mikaela’s character navigates a precarious path between devotion and doubt. As a member of the Sisterhood, she is deeply committed to their cause and the intricate web they weave across the political landscape. “You have given your whole life to something and decided that that’s who you’re going to be, and that’s what you’re going to do,” Brune-Franklin explained, capturing the unwavering dedication expected of a Sister. Her dedication and admiration for Valya keep her pushing forward, no matter how tough the choices my be.
“She has been trying to keep everything ticking along nicely for the Sisterhood, for Valya… everything that’s going on with the rebellion, that’s her responsibility. And she needs to keep it good.”
However, her connection to Arrakis, her home planet, and its people creates a powerful counterpoint, pulling her in opposing directions. Her dedication to the Sisterhood demands a sacrifice, a relinquishing of personal identity and familial ties. “They relinquish a part of themselves,” Brune-Franklin notes, highlighting the internal conflict inherent in such a commitment.
“It’s incredibly hard to let go of your family and let go of your connections and who you are at your core and become this warrior for the sisterhood.”
Finding Humanity in Unexpected Places
The seeds of doubt are sown further by her interactions with Keiran Atreides, a rebel leader who becomes romantically entangled with the princess. Initially, Mikaela views Keiran as a risk, a liability to the Sisterhood’s carefully laid plans. She keeps him and the rest of the rebels at a distance. She compartmentalizing those relationships and her emotions, to focus on the mission she’s carrying out for the Sisterhood.
“She’s frustrated with [Keiran] and she’s always trying to keep him in line, to the point where she even gives him up because she’s like, ‘I think this guy’s becoming too much of a liability.'”
Yet, when Keiran risks his own safety to rescue Mikaela during a rebel uprising, she is forced to confront the depth of his compassion and the stark contrast between his actions and the Sisterhood’s manipulations.
“The fact that he has come from the palace, the first person he thinks to come and help is her is so touching. It’s like, oh, wow, he really did have the cause first. He really did care.”
This has Mikaela questioning her own methods of keeping others at a distance and questioning their loyalties. When it comes to Keiran, she feels guilt over how she doubted him and sold him out to Valya. Mikaela even tries to salvage that relationship when he ultimately finds out she’s a Sister.
Confronting the Sisterhood’s Agenda in Episode 5, “In Blood, Truth”
Mikaela’s internal struggle intensifies as she confronts the harsh realities of the Sisterhood’s plans for Arrakis. The exploitation of her own people and the questionable morality of the Sisterhood’s overarching goals force her to re-evaluate her beliefs and question the path she has chosen.
“It’s all like, you know, people talking, organizing, talking back with the connection she has back on Arrakis. She’s constantly being reminded of who she is, how fucked over her planet is, and how her planet never fits into [the Sister’s] plans.”
Mikaela is even confronted by Desmond, when he comes with a search party looking for spice at her establishment. Having been a soldier on Arrakis, he saw first hand the effect spice mining has on the people of Arrakis.
“Desmond is the one who says something like, ‘How can you do this to your own people? Like you’re a piece of shit, you know, you’re profiting off them. What’s wrong with you?'”
A Betrayal of Trust
This internal conflict reaches its climax in a pivotal scene with Valya Harkonnen, Mother Superior of the Sisterhood. The revelation that the Arrakis rebellion was merely a secondary plan, a distraction, shatter Mikaela’s illusions. “She’s so shocked when she finds out that this wasn’t the plan,” Brune-Franklin revealed.
“She’s so mortified that she’s done all of this work and it’s just completely been for nothing. And she’s like, wait, there’s another plan in motion? And this was a backup?”
“In this moment, she’s just reevaluating. Well, who is actually, you know, my real family, my real people. Who am I actually going to be? You know, protecting now?”
The realization that she has been a pawn in a larger game, that her efforts and sacrifices were ultimately expendable, leaves her reeling. Brune-Franklin describes the experience of filming this scene, recalling the shock and disbelief that washed over her.
“I remember playing that scene just being like, I would just stand in silence. I would just be in pure shock. I would be speechless.”
The betrayal, the realization that her loyalty has been misplaced, cuts deep. Her life’s work and everything she’s worked so hard to build, at the expense of her own people, was ultimately wasted carelessly. Ultimately Mikaela makes a choice and takes a stand against Valya.
“At the end she’s just like, ‘I’m not going to do this to those people. Like, I’m not going to have a repeat of what you’ve made me do here.'”
Facing an Uncertain Future
As the season finale approaches, Mikaela finds herself returning to Arrakis, a planet rife with turmoil and uncertainty. Brune-Franklin remained tight-lipped about specific details but hinted at significant developments. “I think it’s probably leading to future, fingers crossed, seasons” she teased, leaving fans eager to discover where Mikaela’s loyalties will ultimately lie.
Will she remain a tool of the Sisterhood, or will she forge her own path? Soon we’ll know if she will align herself with the people of Arrakis. On the other hand, she could seek to expose the Sisterhood’s machinations, or will she find a way to reconcile her divided loyalties? The season finale promises to be a defining moment for Mikaela, a moment that will shape not only her own destiny but potentially the fate of Arrakis itself.
Brune-Franklin’s portrayal of Mikaela offers a captivating exploration of a character caught in the crossfire of duty and conscience. Her internal struggles, her gradual awakening to the complexities of the world around her, and her ultimate choice will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll. However, in a world of political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and shifting allegiances, Mikaela’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of individual agency and the enduring power of personal conviction.
“Dune: Prophecy” is currently streaming on Max. Tune in to watch Shalom Brune-Franklin as Mikaela and the many plans of Valya unfold. The finale airs on December 21st.
For more on “Dune: Prophecy”
Check out our other interviews for “Dune: Prophecy” below.
Temple of Geek Interviews Dune: Prophecy’s Aoife Hindsa
Interview | “Dune: Prophecy” Mark Addy and Edward Davis
Jihae Discusses Her Role as Reverend Mother Kasha in “Dune: Prophecy”
Join the Conversation!
Stay connected with us on social media for more pop culture discussions and updates. You can find us on Bluesky, TikTok, and Instagram. In addition, be sure to check out our YouTube channel for additional content. Let us know your thoughts! And be sure to join our Discord for discussions about film and television at Temple of Geek!
