Dune 3 has reportedly cast two roles that will come as no surprise to fans of Frank Herbert’s sprawling science fiction book series, but their confirmation veers into potential spoiler territory for others.
Warning! Potential spoilers for Dune 3 follow.
According to Deadline, Jason Momoa’s son, Nakoa-Wolf Momoa, and Silo‘s Ida Brooke are set to play Leto II and Ghanima, the twin offspring of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya). Legendary declined to comment.
In the Dune books, Leto II and Ghanima were born on Arrakis 12 years after Paul’s ascension to the role of Emperor. Neither child knows their mother, Chani, who at the end of Dune: Part Two is seen ditching Paul after he makes his intention to marry Princess Irulan and cement his claim to the throne clear.
We know that Dune 3 is set to tell the story of the second book, Dune Messiah, which itself is set 12 years after the events of the first book. For Dune 3, that means picking things up amid Paul’s devastating jihad, which has conquered the universe. However, what is unclear is how director Denis Villeneuve will handle Leto II and Ghanima’s childhood in the third film in the trilogy.
Leto II was named after his paternal grandfather, Duke Leto Atreides (who was murdered on Arrakis by Harkonnen and Sardaukar forces during the events of the first book and film). Leto II goes on to become God Emperor and, well, all sorts of weird things happen. It’s worth noting that in the books, both twins were pre-born, which means they have centuries of ancestral knowledge in the womb, and inherit Paul’s powers.
The casting news comes just a few months after Jason Momoa himself confirmed his return for Dune 3. In 2021’s Dune, Momoa played Duncan Idaho, swordmaster and mentor to Paul. His character dies following the Harkonnen invasion of Arrakis, and does not appear in Dune: Part Two.
However, in the Dune novels, specifically 1969’s Dune Messiah, Duncan Idaho returns in clone form (a ghola) as a gift to Paul, now the Emperor. Dune Messiah is the basis of Villeneuve’s Dune 3, so it makes sense that Momoa would return to play the character.
Dune 3 is set to launch at some point in 2026. For more, check out IGN’s feature, Dune: Part 3 – What to Expect From the Next Sequel Movie.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
