From Autumn Issue 59
Glass speaks to British-Australian actor Shalom Brune-Franklin about her upcoming new TV series Dune: Prophecy, imposter syndrome and who she’s grateful to
Shalom Brune-Franklin’s story of boundary-pushing achievements would be liable to induce pangs of envy in those toiling to make their way in the entertainment industry were it not for her poise and softly spoken modesty, not to mention her expressions of genuine gratitude.
“Coming from just outside north London to Perth out of all places in Australia felt rather strange, especially at 15,” she reminisces, referring to how her parents moved she and her brother to Down Under back in the day. “I guess it influenced me because my parents wanted a fresh start and something new for themselves, and I think they led by example by showing me that you can recreate yourself at any point in life,” she reflects.
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Born to a Mauritian mother and a Thai father, she credits her parents for enriching her life and unravelling the identity she was forming at an age when self-perception was at its most fragile. “I feel the idea of moving to a country and not knowing what it’ll offer, while leaving your profession, is fascinating. My dad had always wanted to be a chef, but worked in electrical distribution. So my parents went and grabbed their dreams, changing everything for us as kids. Life, back then, became a bit more limitless.”
Brune-Franklin’s honesty is equally endearing. “I didn’t grow up thinking I was going to be an actor as nobody in my family works in the creative industry in that capacity,” she admits. Although she did well in drama at school, she had hoped to study for a career in the media. But an administrative mix-up at the university she had applied to put that on hold. “I was enrolled wrongly and I had to re-apply the following year – I spent a pretty lot of time not really sure what I wanted to do,” she explains.
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
However, following encouragement from her drama school teacher, Brune-Franklin decided to audition for a place at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). “I had no understanding of what it was, even when I got in. I didn’t even realise how prestigious an institution it was because it just happened to be the acting school that was attached to the university I already wanted to attend [to do broadcasting and journalism] … [But] as I went on, I think the dream of actually doing this for a living became more real.”
That is something of an understatement. After an impressive start, she won the prestigious Chris Edmund Performing Arts Scholarship (created by WAAPA graduate Hugh Jackman) and was well on her way to a glittering career.
Among the St Albans-born actress’ first dabs in the industry was the BBC military drama series Our Girl (2017), playing the role of new private, Maisie Richards, opposite Michelle Keegan. In the same year, she also starred in Peter Kominsky’s gripping Channel 4 mini-series The State, which unravels the experiences of four young British Muslims who fly to Syria to join terrorist outfit Islamic State.
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
After that she was a regular fixture on the small screen, most notably as DC Chloë Bishop in the popular BBC police drama, Line of Duty (2021). But her big breakthrough came with the enigmatic thriller, The Tourist (2022), whose first six episodes were set in Australia.
“When I worked with Chris Sweeney [director], Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald and Damon Herriman [co-stars] that was such a turning point for me,” Brune-Franklin exclaims, recalling her pinch-me moment with glee. “I remember saying to myself that I was so unqualified to do this because it was my first leading role. So I wondered how I could be taken seriously, because it sort of felt like a mistake that I was casted, if I’m being honest.”
However, a combination of a supportive cast and her own gumption helped pull her through. “When I turned up to the rehearsals, I was made to feel like I belonged there,” she explains. “People wanted to hear my take on how I wanted to do things. Coming from a different background and having a different life experience, one has so much to add and shouldn’t shy away from that. One should embrace it.”
Was this the first time she‘d been challenged by imposter syndrome? “Big time. During drama school I kept asking myself, how do these people believe in me? It’s amazing having teachers and mentors that make you feel like you belong and that you deserve to have a seat at the table.” It’s comforting to know that someone so talented could still have the same hang-ups as the rest of us, a feeling that has crossed her mind, too, when it comes to some of her colleagues.
“It’s crazy when you talk to people, even people who are so successful that you would never think would have that feeling. I remember working with a really successful actress who once said to me that you never know when the phone’s gonna stop ringing – that made me feel so much better.”
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
So what has been her biggest inspiration, I venture? She pauses before saying, “I didn’t think I would have answered this in this way but because we’re talking about school so much I have to admit my teachers were my greatest mentors. I genuinely don’t think I’d be doing this if I didn’t have those amazing teachers. I’ve never thought about it like that before but I feel like some of the mentors that I’ve had have been unbelievable and, if it wasn’t for them, I know for definite that I would not be here.”
Brune-Franklin is adamant that she aims to hold onto what they taught her forever. “Why the fuck do I get emotional?” she muses, chuckling in between a heartfelt tear shed in gratitude for the people who believed in her. “I haven’t thought about my drama teacher from high school, gosh.”
Going from strength to strength, Brune-Franklin next stars in the new HBO sci-fi series Dune: Prophecy playing Mikaela opposite Emily Watson and Olivia Williams. Scheduled for release in November 2024 and filmed in Budapest, it is set in the Dune universe and was directed by Anna Foerster. “I remember I got sent the script first and spoke to my agent because I wasn’t familiar with the first film [Dune, 2021] or the book [of the same name by Frank Herbert],” she explains.
“I then watched it and felt mesmerised: I remember turning up my TV as loud as it would go, blacking out and being amazed by the movie.” After reading the the script, she felt like it would be the right move for her and she successfully auditioned for the role.
“With sci-fi movies, it’s all about finding the stakes of things that don’t make any sense, or talking about thinking machines and different terms,” Brune-Franklin continues. “When we started, we got packs and packs of information of all the words and what they meant, and learned what everything signified in this world. It was about wrapping your head around all that and then grounding it to make it real. Dune itself is quite a grounded sci-fi as well.”
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Focusing on the intergalactic sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit, the series is based on the 2012 novel, Sisterhood of Dune, by Kevin J Anderson and Brian Herbert, the elder son of Frank Herbert, who wrote the original Dune series back, starting in 1965 and finishing with Chapterhouse: Dune in 1985. The television adaptation traces the roots of how the Bene Gesserit came to be powerful, undergoing physical training and mental conditioning to gain superhuman abilities.
“It’s a part of the world that hasn’t been done before on screen,” Brune-Franklin points out, adding, “It’s all about which planets and Houses control the movement of spice, and, therefore, who makes the money and who they keep impoverished; likewise who keeps getting richer and more powerful.”
The popularity of sci-fi is often linked with the turbulent escape from the real world, so it’s surprising to hear Brune-Franklin break down the parallels between the film and real life rather than the differences. “It’s obviously incredibly relevant and it unfolds those manipulations and how this group of women essentially are the hidden hand behind it all, manipulating everybody in order for the greater good in their eyes,” she elaborates in her characteristically considered manner. “They’re trying to prevent a war and awful leaders from sitting on the throne and sending their planets and Houses into chaos.”
With an abundance of talent and an insatiable appetite for creative expression, the British-Australian actress has managed to stay afloat and navigate her way round obstacles. “Staying afloat is such a good way of putting it,” she concurs. “I’ve never thought about it like that, but it’s true. Especially in the last year and a half, it’s been a really strange time for a lot of people in this industry. So for me it was about having constant, sheer relentlessness and keeping hopes alight.”
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Just because she’s building more stability in her life doesn’t mean her persona will become static. “I think I’ve had really great experiences with the producers I’ve worked with, which is nice and also refreshing because I know a lot of people have had some really difficult ones. There are definitely trickier parts of the industry for sure, but I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic people who’ve always made me feel worthy, pushing me to do more.”
As a person, Brune-Franklin is self-contained, independent and unapologetically goal-driven. And she’s not afraid of criticism. “I don’t see criticism as a huge negative, because I think it’s a part of life,” she nods in excitement. “We don’t all love the same projects, nor love the same stories or actors. I deem it the equivalent of a complete stranger walking up to you in the street and saying something ridiculous to you. You just brush it off.”
We’re way past our allotted interview time but before Brune-Franklin leaves I’m dying to know if she will be releasing more exciting projects, or if she will be pausing to hit recharge. Straightaway she tells me how excited she is about her next job, The Assassin, an Amazon series produced by Two Brothers Pictures, the same company who made The Tourist. “I’m so excited to have worked with them again, as I love their characters to the point I needed to remember that I’m at work whenever I’m on their set,” she grins.
The actress is ready for some downtime, too. “I’m really enjoying every bit of what’s coming, but what I’m looking forward to the most is Christmas, because the industry shuts down. It’s the one time where you don’t feel guilty for not doing something or being proactive. I feel like I can’t wait to switch off.” Downtime or not, the world is clearly Shalom Brune-Franklin’s oyster.
by Chidozie Obasi
Photographer: Jason Hetherington
Fashion Director: Katie Felstead
Makeup: Kim Brown using CHANEL Fall-Winter 2024 Make-up collection and No.1 de CHANEL Revitalizing Body Serum-In-Mist
Hair: Earl Simms using SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL
Manicurist: Charly Avenell using CHANEL Le Vernis In 185 Faun and CHANEL La Crème Main
Photography assistant: Alfie Bungay
Styling assistant: Dorothy Cheng
Talent: Shalom Brune-Franklin
All fashion: CHANEL