Jason Momoa is preparing to reprise a great role in Dune: Part Three. Momoa previously appeared in 2021’s first Dune movie as Duncan Idaho, a swordmaster of House Atreides and mentor to its heir, Timothée Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. Unfortunately, Idaho is killed by Harkonnen forces after helping Paul and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) escape.

However, Momoa confirmed his return as Duncan in Dune: Part Three in March 2025 during a promotional interview for A Minecraft Movie, stating: “I’m making a comeback.” Duncan’s return was no surprise for fans of Frank Herbert’s original sci-fi book series, but it was nice to receive confirmation that Denis Villeneuve’s third movie adaptation will follow this storyline of Dune Messiah.

Via Instagram, Momoa shared a video of himself removing his beard with the caption: “Haven’t shaved in six years.” The last time Momoa shaved off his iconic beard was in preparation for filming the first Dune movie. Looking at his reflection, Momoa exclaimed, “Goddamnit, I hate it!” adding, “Only for you, Denis,” referring to the Dune director.

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What Jason Momoa’s New Look Means For Dune 3

The Books Reveal Duncan Idaho’s Dune 3 Comeback

Although there’s no word on how big of a role Jason Momoa will play in Dune 3, his return as Duncan lines up with the books. As one of the few survivors of House Harkonnen and Emperor Shaddam’s betrayal of House Atreides, Duncan kept Paul and his mother Jessica safe and died at the end of Dune.

However, the book reveals how Duncan returns to Dune, and it happens in a strange way. “Gholas” are mentioned several times in the franchise, and this becomes important in Dune Messiah, as these creatures are artificially created humans who resemble the body they were made from. Essentially, Duncan is cloned in Dune 3, but he’s not Duncan.

The ghola in Dune Messiah is called Hayt, and he is one of the main characters in the story. After being recreated in a tank using Duncan’s biological matter, he’s implanted with the original Duncan’s memories and is programmed to destroy Paul. Therefore, if Villeneuve’s adaptation follows the same story, Momoa will be playing Hayt.

Our Take On Jason Momoa’s Dune 3 Update

Production Seems To Be Well Underway

With Momoa shaving his iconic beard for the first time in six years, while shouting out Dune‘s director, it is clear that the actor’s current look is for his return as Duncan Idaho. In February, it was revealed that Dune 3 will reportedly start filming in summer 2025, ahead of its Dec. 18, 2026, release date.

Previously, composer Hans Zimmer provided an update on Dune 3‘s progress, stating that “we are on our way,” before adding that “there’s a lot of desert still in front of us.” However, Jason Momoa’s post confirms filming will take place very soon, marking a more positive update that seems to hint production for Dune: Part Three is underway.

Source: Instagram