Jason Momoa shaved his beard for the first time in six years. The “Aquaman” star went razor-to-face for one reason: Duncan Idaho is back. In a new video posted ahead of filming “Dune: Part Three,” Momoa dramatically shears off his iconic facial hair. “Only for you, Denis,” he says, calling out “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve. Seconds later, as he inspects his clean-shaven jaw, he groans, “Goddamnit! I hate it.”
But fans love it. Because the beard loss can mean only one thing: Duncan Idaho is officially returning to Arrakis.
Wait, Didn’t Duncan Idaho Die in Dune?
Yes and no. If you watched “Dune: Part One,” you know Momoa’s Duncan went out in a blaze of warrior glory, sacrificing himself to help Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica escape from Sardaukar troops. But in Frank Herbert’s sprawling sci-fi book series, death is rarely the end.
In the “Dune” novels, Duncan is resurrected as a clone called a ghola. He continues to play a major role throughout the saga, evolving from Paul’s loyal swordmaster into something much more complex. Villeneuve has been tight-lipped about whether the third film will stick to the books, but Momoa’s return and sudden facial transformation strongly suggest we’re headed in that direction.
The Transformation Begins
Fans were quick to react to the shaving video, which has already racked up millions of views across platforms. For many, it was confirmation that “Dune: Part Three” is entering full production mode. For others, it was simply wild to see Momoa, who’s been rocking that beard since before the first “Dune,” go baby-faced for a role.
The fact that he did it “only for Denis” speaks volumes about the trust and creative bond between actor and director. If you’re shaving six years off your face, you better believe you’re doing it for something epic.
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesMomoa’s Son Joins the Cast
The hype doesn’t stop with Jason. His 16-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, has been cast in “Dune: Part Three” as Leto II, one of Paul and Chani’s twin children. “A rude awakening is what he’s in for,” Momoa joked in a recent interview with Extra. “He’s into the workforce for the first time. It’s going to be good.”
While some might assume Jason pulled strings for his son, he quickly clarifies: “He did it on his own. I don’t want to help him… and good for him.”
© Apple TV+ via Getty ImagesMomoa went further, praising his son’s poise and presence: “You want your children to be better than you, and I really, actually believe he is. I was on Baywatch at 19. He’s 16 and holding shit down with Denis Villeneuve.”
Returning Favorites and New Faces
Alongside the Momoas, “Dune: Part Three” brings back Timothée Chalamet as Paul, Zendaya as Chani, and Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan. Also joining the saga is Silo star Ida Brooke, who will portray Ghanima, Leto’s twin sister and Paul’s daughter.
These twin characters are pivotal in the Children of Dune storyline, which Part Three is expected to adapt. Their arrival signals a bold new phase of the saga that explores legacy, power, and the burden of destiny.
© GettyImagesWarner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment have locked in a December 2026 release date for “Dune: Part Three,” which is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of the decade. Denis Villeneuve has said he always envisioned a trilogy, and this film will likely close out Paul Atreides’ arc while laying the groundwork for future “Dune” stories if the demand keeps growing.
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesFor now, fans can rest easy knowing Duncan Idaho is back in action, clean-shaven and ready for battle.
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