Jason Momoa will reprise his role as Duncan Idaho in the upcoming third installment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series, the actor confirmed during a recent interview on NBC’s TODAY show. The revelation brings long-suspected but previously unconfirmed news into the open, exciting fans of the franchise and book readers alike.
Idaho, a loyal Swordmaster and one of the most admired characters in Frank Herbert’s epic saga, met a heroic end in Dune: Part One, defending Duke Leto Atreides and his family. His death was one of the more poignant moments of the 2021 film. However, those familiar with the original novels have long anticipated his return—a major plot element in Dune: Messiah, the second book in Herbert’s series.
“Well, I’m not sure if I’m going to get in trouble or not,” Momoa joked on the morning show. “Yeah, I’m going to be coming back.” His comments came after host Craig Melvin referenced Idaho’s return in the source material. While the actor avoided detailing how his character would re-emerge, his casual confirmation has effectively spoiled a major reveal for audiences unfamiliar with the novels.
Villeneuve has not officially commented on the casting or narrative details of Dune 3, which is expected to adapt Dune: Messiah. That book explores the political and spiritual aftermath of Paul Atreides’ rise to power, and Duncan Idaho’s unexpected return plays a central role in the unfolding drama.
Momoa’s relaxed attitude toward the spoiler echoes his similar approach during his time on Game of Thrones, where he also hinted at plot points before they aired. His charismatic charm often softens the blow, but for Dune fans trying to remain unspoiled, his comments have stirred debate about what constitutes a true spoiler when adaptations follow widely-read material.
Despite the slip, the news is likely to generate more excitement than backlash. Idaho is a fan favorite, and Momoa’s performance in the role was widely praised. His return not only adds continuity to Villeneuve’s adaptation but also signals the deepening complexity and fidelity to Herbert’s saga.
As Dune: Part Two continues its theatrical run, speculation will no doubt turn to how the next chapter will handle Idaho’s resurrection. For now, Villeneuve and his team may be adjusting their publicity strategy, intentionally or not, to account for this early reveal.
Sources:
Entertainment Weekly, NBC’s TODAY Show
gfpods.com 
Leave a comment