DUNE FEVER IS RAGING ON, AS A NEW NARRATIVE IN THE SCI-FI EPIC’S UNIVERSE BRINGS A POWERFUL MYSTIC SISTERHOOD, ONCE HIDING IN THE SHADOWS, TO ITS FORE, AND THE SMALL SCREEN. THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED PREQUEL SERIES DUNE: PROPHECY WILL NO DOUBT SPAWN SOME OTHERWORLDLY FASHION AND GIVE RISE TO A SLEW OF NEW HOUSEHOLD NAMES TOO. ONE SUCH NAME IS SARAH-SOFIE BOUSSNINA, WHO PLAYS PRINCESS YNEZ, HEIR TO THE GOLDEN LION THRONE. THE DANISH ACTRESS IS GIVING NOTHING AWAY AS THE SERIES PLOT IS TIGHTLY UNDER WRAPS, BUT WE CAN REVEAL THAT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF A LIFE-ALTERING RISE FOR THE YOUNG TALENT.

Did you ever find the idea of working as a Danish actor outside of Denmark daunting until The Killing and Borgen became such hits, and suddenly, the scenery changed, and it was a different landscape for foreign actors?

Those shows got so much attention globally, so that made me think that I could have a career outside the borders of my country, which has always been my dream because Denmark is very small; there’s only a small number of films being made every year.

When you act in Danish, is something different? Is it easier?

Yes, especially if I’m away filming and there are jokes within the cast and I find I can’t respond to those jokes as quickly because they’re not in my native tongue. [Laughs] There’s more work when I’m doing English projects though and I work with a dialect coach which helps me in finding a character too.

So, once you started working on other projects, how did your goals shift? Are you still finding your way, your process, or does it change every time?

I think it shifts from each project, as each time I learn something new that I can use in my next role.

Well, you’re about to go global, playing Princess Ynez in the much-anticipated Dune: Prophecy series. How did you get involved with the project and did you read The Dune Encyclopedia to understand just how vast this universe is?

I’ve never done anything on this scale in my career, and it was quite unusual as I only did one self-tape and audition for this role, so the process was quite fast. When I auditioned, I didn’t know it was for this show, I found out just before a meeting with the whole creative team. Then I obviously watched the film, [Laughs] and checked out the online version of the encyclopedia to get more information on the different characters and the whole universe of Dune!

The series adapts Frank Herbert’s spin-off novel Sisterhood of Dune and focuses on the powerful order of women, the Bene Gesserit. Did that excite you as a narrative?

Yes, totally. I find them to be the most interesting characters and I’m so fascinated by that side of the universe – it’s the first time their story is being told on the screen which is so exciting to be part of. I think there are so many great female characters of all ages in the show too, so it’s inspiring and relevant for all those reasons.

I know at the time of writing this, you can’t tell me anything at all about your character, but tell me something about your character… [Laughs]

Haha! Well, she’s the princess of the universe and she’s the heir to the Golden Throne, and for me, she’s my favourite character I’ve ever played!

Are you allowed to tell us anything about your costumes?

Well, what I will say is that I was blown away by how much detail goes into the costumes, they’re all handmade and what the costume department creates is just truly amazing.

The costume is always essential in helping to inform and find a character, but what’s your process when preparing for a role, do you make playlists or do YouTube deep dives?

It varies, costume is a big help because once you put whatever you’re wearing on, you feel like you’re stepping into that person, and I instantly feel the fit, in the sense of embodying the character. When I’m preparing, I use music a lot, and I like to go through the script and break down the scenes. I work with an acting coach, as it’s good to bounce ideas off someone and have fun and play around with the script before you step on set for real.

What was it like to make the jump into such a huge franchise with this series, and what was your favourite part of filming with the rest of the cast, was there a good camaraderie on set?

It can be very intimidating stepping onto a set of this magnitude with so many people, and you feel lucky to be part of it, so yes, having a good relationship with the rest of the cast is so important. I loved working with Josh Heuston, who plays my brother Constantine Corrino, and those of us younger ones in the cast got on so well and hung out a lot, as we’re in similar places, in that this is the biggest project we’ve done in our careers. But I have to say, the well-established actors were just such beautiful people too, and it made the experience wonderful for me.

I think this show is destined to introduce you to a new audience and launch you into the next phase of your career. Are you excited and prepared for what’s to come?

I’m so excited! I’ve never been part of something that has such a huge fanbase with the book and films, it’s quite scary too, but I’m just so happy to be a part of it all.

You’re obviously going to be on everyone’s style radar now, so are you looking forward to working with a stylist and getting creative with your looks?

Definitely! I’ve always been very interested in fashion and interiors and aesthetics overall; I don’t know if that’s maybe the Scandi in me! [Laughs]. I’m into labels like Acne and Cecilie Bahnsen, anything dreamy and feminine but still a little bit rock’n’roll.

So, what’s coming next? You’re also appearing in Terrence Malick’s epic biblical movie, The Way of the Wind. Do you like changing it up every time, switching genres, and what would you love to do next, a dream role you’re craving?

I would love to do a film, and with genres I’m very open, I just like good stories and storytellers. I love Tim Burton; I would jump at the chance to work with him. The film Edward Scissorhands still resonates with me ever since the first time I saw it when I was young, as my brothers and I used to hire a movie from Blockbuster Videos every Saturday! It was the first time a film made me think how aesthetically cool it is and how it’s a story about being different and that’s ok, which is just so beautiful. It’s an evergreen as it’s a tale of how humans can be to each other, so it transcends generations.

Is there a creative, be it musician, artist, author, actor, or anyone who inspires you every day?

Tracy Chapman, her music centres me and makes me feel present. Patti Smith too, I’m reading M Train right now, and she’s the whole package. I’m very inspired by women in general, just so many different, beautiful and talented women!