The sands of Arrakis are stirring once again, and Jason Momoa is ready to dive back into the epic world of Dune. The actor recently confirmed his return as Duncan Idaho for the highly anticipated Dune 3, officially titled Dune: Messiah, during an interview on the TODAY show. With a smirk, Momoa dropped a bombshell for fans who haven’t read Frank Herbert’s iconic book series: “If you didn’t read the books, it’s not my fault.” Oh, Jason, you’ve got us on the edge of our seats!
https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/jason-momoa-confirms-dune-3-return-rcna198842
For those who’ve followed Denis Villeneuve’s cinematic adaptation of Dune, Momoa’s return might come as a surprise. Duncan Idaho, the loyal sword master of House Atreides, met a heroic but tragic end in the first film, Dune (2021). He sacrificed himself to protect Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) from the Emperor’s deadly Sardaukar soldiers, leaving fans heartbroken. Momoa was notably absent from Dune: Part Two (2024), which wrapped up the first novel’s story. So, how is Duncan coming back for the third installment?
The answer lies in Herbert’s second book, Dune Messiah, which Dune 3 will adapt. Without diving too deep into spoiler territory, let’s just say the Bene Tleilax—a mysterious and cunning group in the Dune universe—have a knack for bending the rules of life and death. In the books, Duncan returns as a “ghola,” a clone-like being created from his original cells, but with a twist…. Momoa’s playful comment on TODAY hints that this resurrection might catch some moviegoers off guard, especially if they haven’t explored the novels.
Dune: Messiah picks up years after the events of Dune: Part Two, with Paul Atreides now ruling as Emperor and grappling with the consequences of his galactic jihad. The third film promises to delve deeper into the complex political and emotional landscape of Herbert’s universe. Alongside Momoa’s return, fans can expect expanded roles for characters like Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Alia Atreides (Anya Taylor-Joy), as well as the evolving relationship between Paul and Chani (Zendaya).
Director Denis Villeneuve, who has been vocal about his vision for a Dune trilogy, is set to begin production on Dune: Messiah in June 2025, with a theatrical release slated for December 2026. Villeneuve has previously shared that this third chapter will be a more intimate yet equally intense exploration of the Dune saga, focusing on the personal struggles of its characters amidst the backdrop of a universe in turmoil.
For those unfamiliar with the Dune series, Duncan Idaho might seem like a secondary character in the first film, but his role grows exponentially in Herbert’s later novels. Known for his unmatched combat skills and unwavering loyalty to House Atreides, Duncan becomes a pivotal figure across the entire saga. In fact, he’s the only character to appear in all six of Herbert’s original Dune bookse by Villeneuve.
Momoa’s portrayal of Duncan in Dune (2021) was a fan favorite, blending rugged charm with fierce dedication. His chemistry with Chalamet’s Paul added depth to their mentor-student dynamic, making Duncan’s death all the more gut-wrenching. Now, with Dune: Messiah on the horizon, Momoa has a chance to explore a new side of the character—one that grapples with existential questions about identity, memory, and purpose.
With production for Dune: Messiah gearing up, the third film is shaping up to be another cinematic spectacle. Villeneuve’s track record with the first two films—both critically acclaimed and visually stunning—sets a high bar for what’s to come. Dune: Part Two grossed over $714 million worldwide and earned a spot on the American Film Institute’s top 10 films of 2024, proving the franchise’s staying power.
As for Momoa, he’s clearly having a blast with the role. His lighthearted jab at fans on TODAY shows his enthusiasm for the project and the Dune universe as a whole. Whether you’re a book reader who’s been waiting for this moment or a movie fan ready to be surprised, one thing is certain: Dune: Messiah is about to take us on another unforgettable journey through the deserts of Arrakis in December of 2026.
