Exclusive: Sharon Duncan-Brewster talks playing Dr. Liet Kynes in Dune and diversity
Coming out in in theaters and on HBO Max October 22 from Warner Bros. Pictures is Legendary Pictures’ Dune, Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve’s (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049) big-screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal bestseller of the same name.
The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, Chang Chen, David Dastmalchian, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem.
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people.
As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence — a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential — only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
For Sharon Duncan-Brewster, who plays Dr. Liet Kynes, the role garnered lots of attention because of its race and gender swap. Kynes is the Imperial ecologist and judge of the change on Arrakis, also Chani's mother.
The character had previously been portrayed by Max Von Sydow in David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation of Dune. Karel Dobrý portrayed the character in Sci Fi Channel’s 2000 miniseries adaptation of the book.
Duncan-Brewster is best known for her role as Crystal Gordon in Bad Girls during the first four series; her role as Trina Johnson on EastEnders; and her role as Maggie Cain in the autumn 2009 Doctor Who special, The Waters of Mars. She also appeared as Senator Pamlo in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
BlackFilmandTV.com’s Wilson Morales caught up with Duncan-Brewster as she discusses her role in the film.
