At the premiere of Apple TV+’s Chief of War in Kapolei, Hawaii, Jason Momoa revealed that his teenage son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, secured a key role in Dune: Part Three independently, without any assistance from him. Momoa, who portrayed Duncan Idaho in Denis Villeneuve’s first Dune film, confirmed his return in the upcoming third installment after missing the second movie.
Nakoa-Wolf Cast as Leto II Alongside Ida Brooke’s Ghanima
Announced in June, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa was cast in Dune 3 alongside Ida Brooke, known for her role in Silo. They will play the twins Leto II and Ghanima, the children of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya). This marks a significant development for the younger Momoa, stepping into a major role in the continuing adaptation of Frank Herbert’s iconic sci-fi saga.
Jason Momoa on His Son’s Independent Success
Reflecting on Nakoa-Wolf’s casting, Jason Momoa described it as a “rude awakening” for his son, now entering the workforce. He emphasized that Nakoa-Wolf earned the role entirely on his own merit.
“A rude awakening is what he’s in for,”
—Jason Momoa
“He’s into the workforce for the first time. It’s going to be good. He did it on his own. I don’t want to help him, and he’s done it all on his own, and good for him.”
—Jason Momoa
Momoa expressed pride in his son‘s accomplishments, highlighting the rarity of such confidence and capability at only 16 years old.
“You want your children to be better than you, and I really, actually believe he is,”
—Jason Momoa
“I couldn’t do what he’s doing at his age. There’s no way I could sit in a room with Denis Villeneuve and hold my own. I was on ‘Baywatch’ at 19. He’s 16 and holding shit down with Denis Villeneuve.”
—Jason Momoa
He attributed his son’s confidence to the environment in which they were raised.
“We raised him beautiful. We raised our children… It’s just, you know, being loved and being confident in themselves… That is what he is. He’s very confident.”
—Jason Momoa
Upcoming Plot and the Role of Duncan Idaho
Jason Momoa attended the Chief of War red carpet accompanied by his son Nakoa-Wolf and daughter Lola Iolani. Dune: Part Three will adapt Frank Herbert’s second novel, Dune Messiah, which follows Paul Muad’Dib Atreides as he assumes the emperor’s mantle.
In the original 2021 film, Momoa’s character Duncan Idaho served as Paul’s swordmaster and mentor but sacrificed himself to aid Paul and his mother Jessica’s escape from Sardaukar soldiers. The novel reveals Duncan Idaho’s eventual return as a clone, though it remains uncertain whether Villeneuve will adopt this storyline for the third film.
Significance of the New Casting and Upcoming Developments
Nakoa-Wolf Momoa’s casting signals a new generation entering Denis Villeneuve’s expanding Dune universe. With the young actor taking on the vital role of Leto II, expectations are high for the continuation of the story’s complex themes of legacy and power. Jason Momoa’s return alongside his son further highlights the family’s connection to the franchise. Fans can anticipate how these developments will shape the narrative as filming progresses and the third part approaches release.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Denis Villeneuve’s religion?
A. Villeneuve explains that his Quebec upbringing influenced Dune’s creation. He was raised Catholic but, like many Quebecers, distanced from the church after the 1960s Quiet Revolution.
Q. Is Denis Villeneuve a feminist?
A. Villeneuve mentions that his mother and grandmother’s beliefs in women’s rights greatly impacted him. This influence was likely strengthened by the film industry and publicly-supported culture in Montreal during the early 1990s.
