Hollywood’s rugged heartthrob Jason Momoa has shocked fans by shaving off his signature beard after six years, purely to slip back into his character Duncan Idaho for Dune: Part Three, slated for release on December 18, 2026.
In a lighthearted Instagram video posted on July 30, 2025, the 45-year-old actor zoomed in on himself, electric shaver in hand. As his beard tumbled away, Momoa quipped:
“Goddamnit, I hate it!” And, with a playful nod to filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, he dryly added: “Only for you, Denis.”
Despite his immediate regret at seeing his baby face again, he made clear that this sacrifice was part of a dramatic Dune comeback.
Jason Momoa Returns to Play Duncan Idaho
Momoa originally portrayed swordmaster Duncan Idaho in Dune (2021), where the character died. Yet, true fans of Frank Herbert’s saga know Duncan plays a central role in Dune Messiah, which the third movie adapts.
Momoa himself confirmed on TODAY:
“I’m making a comeback… If you didn’t read the books, it’s not my fault.” That confirms his return isn’t just flashback, it’s canonically rooted in the series’ mythology.
Beyond the film narrative, Momoa used his shaving moment to spotlight his environmental brand Mananalu, launched in 2019 to reduce single-use plastic. Partnering with Boomerang Water, the operation now deploys on-site aluminum bottle refills, a closed-loop system promoting sustainability.
In his caption, he wrote:
“We’re starting in Hawaiʻi. Let’s get rid of single‑use plastic. All my aloha, J.” He’s pulled on public campaigns before, once chiding Chris Pratt over a plastic bottle photo op, but this time tied it directly to cinematic transformation and personal sacrifice.
Dune Part 3: A Family Affair on Arrakis
Momoa’s return to Dune isn’t just personal, his family is joining the journey. His 16‑year‑old son, Nakoa‑Wolf Momoa, has been cast as Leto II Atreides, Paul’s son, with Ida Brooke portraying Ghanima. Momoa joked he didn’t initially support his son’s acting, but now believes he will surpass him.
“He did it on his own… he’s going to be way better than I have ever been.” This makes Dune: Part Three a multigenerational narrative both on-screen and off.
Social media buzzed with surprise. Many fans tagged images of Momoa with and without a beard; the difference was staggering. Critics praised his commitment, calling the shaved reveal a “kickoff to a new chapter,” punctuated by honest humor and a clear sense of purpose.
Fans expressed respect for his willingness to disconnect from a beloved persona (Drogo, Aquaman, Idaho) to embody something rooted in Frank Herbert’s deeper layers.
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FAQs
To prepare as Duncan Idaho for Dune: Part Three, aligning with Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah, where Idaho’s role is revived and crucial.
He hadn’t shaved since around 2019 (or perhaps 2012 previously), making this the first time in six or more years.
Dune: Part Three is scheduled to premiere on December 18, 2026, under Denis Villeneuve’s direction, co-written with Jon Spaihts.
Jason Momoa’s real-life son, Nakoa‑Wolf Momoa, will portray Leto II Atreides, with Ida Brooke cast as his twin sister Ghanima.