Aussie actor Josh Heuston stars in prequel series to blockbuster Dune films: ‘Proud of what we made’

The Dune film franchise may star Hollywood heavyweights Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. But the TV spin-off has an Aussie as its breakout star.

The Dune film franchise may star Hollywood heavyweights Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. But the prequel TV spin-off, Dune: Prophecy, is giving the original a run for its money with Aussie actor Josh Heuston emerging as the breakout star.

But before you call him an up-and-coming actor, Heuston has already made a splash in the industry with roles in Thor: Love and Thunder, Bali 2002 and, currently, Heartbreak High. And it is this drive and determination that saw him awarded GQ’s Breakthrough Actor of the Year in 2022.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time and putting one step, one foot in front of the other,” the 27-year-old tells news.com.au while promoting the series, which is now streaming on BINGE.

Josh Heuston attends the Sydney premiere of Dune: Prophecy at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter on November 13. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“It has been quite fast and I guess I’m just strapped in for the ride and enjoying it. I wouldn’t change anything at all. I’m having a great time doing whatever is happening to me at the moment.”

Dune: Prophecy is set more than 10,000 years before Paul Atreides (Chalamet) began his controversial ascent to the throne, and centres around the Bene Gesserit – the powerful sisterhood which included Paul’s mother and other members who possessed superhuman abilities through physical and mental conditioning.

In the series, the Bene Gesserit is led by the terrifying Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson).

Stream Dune: Prophecy on BINGE, available on Hubbl.

Dune: Prophecy also stars Travis Fimmel, Emily Watson, Olivia Williams and Mark Strong. Picture: Binge

Dune: Part Two cast Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Austin Butler are hard acts to follow. Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

Heuston plays the suave Lord Constantine Corrino, who is Emperor Javicco’s (Mark Strong) illegitimate and popular son who is forever trying to get his father’s approval, all while leading a hedonistic lifestyle.

His sister Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), the heir to the Corrino throne, is planning to become a member of the Bene Gesserit. But a series of events take place that turns plans into disarray.

Heuston plays Lord Constantine Corrino, Emperor Javicco’s illegitimate son. Picture: Binge

It was an acting role that Heuston secured within days from the audition.

“I did the stock standard audition process. But for me it was probably the easiest audition I’ve ever had,” he recalls.

“They sent it to me essentially on a Monday, and I did one tape, sent it back the next day, and then by Thursday we pretty much had the deal. I was supposed to be flying out to Budapest to start filming. It was very quick.”

Mark Strong and Jodhi May play Heuston’s parents in the series. Picture: Binge

“I guess it was pretty surreal, really. Getting a role like this, it is a dream role, something with this much depth, and it’s already such a beloved project by so many people,” he adds.

“It was one of those things that you just jumping on the wave of something that’s already going and you just hope that you can live up to those expectations.”

Aussie actor Brendan Cowell also stars as Duke Ferdinand Richese. Picture: Binge

Dune: Part One grossed $US407 million ($628 million) in the global box office and Part Two made $US714 million ($1.1 billion). So the pressure was on to deliver another sci-fi masterpiece but for television, right?

“I guess in any project there’s always a pressure to try and make it successful and do your best,” Heuston says. “I feel like coming into it, there’s a bit of apprehension in terms of this is such a massive machine already with an existing fan base, and so many talented people in the film side of it.”

“But the same thing could be said for the TV side – [executive producers] Alison Schapker and Jordan Goldberg, and then the directors and the cast, everyone together. Once you see all the pieces put together, I guess the nerves or apprehension about living up to that level of success dissipates and you can just slot in and do your best.

“I’m pretty proud of what we made. I like it, regardless. That’s a win in my mind.”

Dune: Prophecy is now available to stream on BINGE, with new episodes dropping every Monday.