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Before you sink deep into a cushy movie theater seat for a showing of Dune, Sharon Duncan-Brewster wants you to know exactly what you’re getting into.
“This is not your average sci-fi,” she told Vanity Fair before hitting the red carpet for the film’s London premiere on Monday. “It’s part of a story adapted from a highly revered book but I’d stress that whether they’ve read the book or not, they are about to be taken on a journey like no other and there is something in it for everyone.”
In the film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel of the same name, the British actress joins an all-star cast featuring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. But while Duncan-Brewster’s credits include hits like Sex Education, Years and Years, and EastEnders among many others, she confessed to being “very shy to begin with on set” because of her talented co-stars.
“I was amongst highly accomplished individuals whose work I respect a great deal so I wanted to stay focused and bring my A game. They’re a generous, charismatic, fun-loving bunch of creatives and it’s always a joy to witness actors throw their magic into the on-screen mix,” she explained.
The film’s London premiere—which Duncan-Brewster noted was “actually the third red carpet premiere I’ve ever attended in my life”—felt extra special for the actress who hails from the capital, so naturally, the evening a look as special as the occasion.
“I’d said that I wanted to bring something edgy, sexy, bold, dark and commanding into play,” Duncan-Brewster explained, adding that she turned to stylists Zadrian Smith and Sarah Edmiston to help her create red carpet magic.
“The ‘dark commanding’ theme grew in my mind to become ‘darkness and light,’ ‘righteousness and preservation.’ One of many questions that [was] asked of my character in the film is, is [Dr. Liet] Kynes a good person, can she be trusted? I ask, how does timeless, commanding, powerful trust present itself in the form of clothing? And voilà, we whittled things down to a choice of two. I’m glad that it was the Elie Saab dress that won. It makes me feel like a mythical goddess.”
To complement the draped gown’s sleek silhouette, Duncan-Brewster accessorized with a cuff inspired by the flow of molten rock and magma from Emefa Cole, ring from Cartier, and LK Bennett shoes. Makeup artist Alex Babsky accentuated the actress’s glow with a rich, dark blue eyeshadow while Venner James styled her hair.
“This is a long, ongoing dream come true!” she said of the experience. “And I wouldn’t want it any other way. As a proud East London girl, I’ve been internally squealing and giggling with delight every time I get on the Tube or walk down the street. There are Dune posters everywhere! And for this, the cinematic event of the year, to be happening in my hometown, well … what more could I ask for right now?”
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