Who will Jason Momoa portray in Dune 3 after Duncan Idaho’s death?

Legendary Entertainment recently unveiled a collection of character posters for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 3, building anticipation for the film’s first trailer, set to drop on TikTok at noon ET on March 17. The initial images feature Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya) in a gritty state. Alia, the infant daughter of Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) from Dune 2, has grown up and is portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. However, the most shocking reveal is the return of Jason Momoa as Hayt. Momoa originally played the Atreides swordmaster Duncan Idaho in Dune, who met a heroic end while aiding Paul and Jessica’s escape. So, who exactly is Hayt?

The answer lies in Dune Messiah, Frank Herbert’s 1969 sequel to Dune, which will inspire Dune 3. Set 12 years after the events of Dune, the story follows Paul as he navigates the empire and humanity’s turmoil following the war he instigated as the leader of the Fremen. A faction of conspirators aiming to dethrone Paul presents him with a gift intended to undermine him. Hayt is a ghola, a clone of Paul’s former mentor, Duncan Idaho. This artificial creation breaches Fremen taboos, leading to a decline in Paul’s support. Additionally, Hayt is implanted with directives from his manipulative creators.

While Villeneuve aims to complete a trilogy with Dune, should the series extend further, we would see much more of Momoa. Duncan is the only character to feature in all six Dune novels, facing repeated cloning and death over millennia. He marries Alia, attempts to eliminate Paul’s sandworm-human hybrid son, Leto II, and is transformed into a weapon by the Bene Gesserit, who create a version of Duncan that is irresistible to women. Although Paul is the central figure in the Dune films, Momoa embodies the true star of Herbert’s literary saga.

Dune 3 is set to hit theaters on December 18.