David Bridges
As the highly anticipated shooting begins for Dune: Part 3, which will adapt Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, fans are excited to see the return of cast member Jason Momoa. However, he is preparing to make his comeback in a way that may surprise many—by appearing quite different than expected.
An engaging Instagram post captures Momoa partaking in the act of shaving, marking his return to the Dune franchise, a journey he embarked on six years ago. This shaving ritual is not just a personal grooming choice; it’s a playful stunt celebrating the anniversary of his collaboration with the eco-conscious aluminum water bottle brand, Mananalu.
The video features Momoa performing his least favorite activity—shaving off his signature facial hair—while he discusses the critical importance of reducing single-use plastics. He candidly admits, “I’d only do this for you, Denis,” referring to Dune‘s visionary director Denis Villeneuve, showcasing his dedication to the project.
Momoa humorously adds, “Goddammit! I hate it.” Yet, as fans of Dune mythology are aware, this transformation is vital for his return to the Dune universe. Without revealing too much, in the first film, Momoa portrayed Duncan Idaho, the loyal swordmaster and protector of House Atreides who trained Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and served under his father, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac). His character meets a heroic end while valiantly battling the Emperor’s fierce Sardaukar soldiers.
Although the film doesn’t depict his demise, the narrative leads to an intriguing possibility involving the Tleilaxu, who are known for creating clones called Gholas. This aspect will become crucial in Dune 3 as Paul rises to power amidst the complexities of the Dune universe. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that Momoa’s return as a figure fiercely loyal to House Atreides will likely resonate with Paul’s son, Leto II, who will be portrayed by his real-life son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa.
Stay updated with the latest developments regarding Dune: Part 3 right here at io9, where we provide comprehensive coverage of all things related to the Dune universe and beyond.
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Daniel Mercer
Brandon Fletcher
