Jason Momoa, known worldwide as Aquaman and a fan-favorite from Game of Thrones, is not just a superstar on screen but also a proud father off-screen. Recently, Momoa revealed an emotional milestone in his family life: his 16-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf (better known as Wolf), is officially stepping into the world of Hollywood acting. And not just any role—Wolf has landed a key part in one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of the decade, Dune: Part Three.
Momoa, speaking during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast, shared how his son has gone from performing in small school plays to now standing alongside some of the biggest names in cinema. The actor’s emotions were evident as he admitted being blown away watching Wolf perform on set.
A Father Who Once Said “No” to Acting
Interestingly, Jason Momoa was initially against the idea of his son pursuing an acting career. Despite Wolf’s clear passion for performance—often taking part in local school plays in Topanga Canyon—Momoa repeatedly told him, “You’re not acting. There’s no way. I’m not letting you act.”
Why? According to Momoa, Hollywood filmmaking might not be “digging ditches,” but it is still brutally demanding. From long days to grueling rehearsals, heavy costumes, and mental exhaustion, the job isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Momoa himself often spends hours training for action sequences, sometimes while wearing 40 pounds of armor.
But fate had other plans.
How Wolf Landed His Role in Dune: Part Three
During the production process, Dune producer Cale Boyter noticed Wolf and immediately saw potential. His exact reaction, as Momoa recalls, was: “He oughta be in pictures!” That one comment shifted everything. Soon after, Wolf was officially cast as Leto II, the son of Paul Atreides (played by Timothée Chalamet) and Chani (played by Zendaya).
This casting is monumental for Wolf—it not only marks his debut in one of the most visually stunning and narrative-rich sci-fi franchises but also sets him up for an iconic role in future Dune stories.
A Whirlwind Schedule Leading to the Big Day
Jason Momoa also shared the hectic timeline that led up to Wolf’s first day on set. It all began with the premiere of Momoa’s Apple TV+ series Chief of War. From Hawaii to Budapest in just a few days, the family was constantly on the move:
- On the 18th, they were in Hawaii for the Chief of War premiere.
- On the 19th, they flew out.
- By the 20th, they were celebrating Momoa’s daughter Lola’s 18th birthday.
- On the 22nd, they finally landed in Budapest.
- On the 23rd, Wolf was already on set for his very first scene.
Momoa admitted that sitting there as his son performed alongside Zendaya, he was a nervous wreck: “My first goddamn scene, I’m sitting there shitting my pants. He’s with Zendaya. I’m like, ‘My baby, 16 years old,’ and he just killed it. I was a wreck. I was so proud of him.”
From Aquaman to Proud Dad
What makes this story even more special is how Momoa himself has always been known as a physically demanding performer. He built his career on action-heavy roles—whether swinging a trident in the DC Universe or wielding a sword in Game of Thrones. Yet, now, he sees his son stepping into a world that may challenge him even more.
Wolf isn’t just dabbling in acting—he has been preparing for this moment for years. Trained in martial arts his entire life, he has the discipline and stamina required for a blockbuster franchise like Dune.
As Momoa said: “He’s trained in martial arts his whole life. He always wants to act… and now he’s in it.”
A Newfound Respect Between Father and Son
After stepping onto the Dune set, Wolf reportedly told his dad that he finally understood just how hard the acting business can be. “Pop, I have so much respect for you now,” he admitted after his first few days of shooting.
For Jason Momoa, this was more than just a proud parenting moment. It was the acknowledgment that his son now truly understands the sacrifices and hard work behind Hollywood stardom.
Momoa summed up his feelings beautifully: “You want your kids to just be better than you. I’m like, this motherf**er’s gonna be—he’s gonna blow me away.”*
The Bigger Picture: Dune: Part Three
Wolf’s role in Dune: Part Three is not a minor one. Playing Leto II, he becomes central to the unfolding saga of the Atreides family. For fans of Frank Herbert’s novels, Leto II eventually becomes one of the most fascinating and complex characters in the entire Dune mythology.
The film is set to release on December 18, 2026, and is already considered one of the most anticipated releases of the decade. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the franchise has been praised for its breathtaking visuals, powerful performances, and faithfulness to Herbert’s epic vision.
Conclusion
Jason Momoa has long been admired for his larger-than-life screen presence, but his recent revelations about his son show an entirely different side—one of vulnerability, emotion, and deep paternal pride. Watching his 16-year-old son step into the spotlight in Dune: Part Three was a defining moment not just for Wolf’s career, but for Momoa’s journey as a father.
Fans around the world now eagerly await the film’s release, not only to see the continuation of Paul Atreides’ saga but also to witness the rise of a second-generation Momoa star. If Jason’s instincts are correct, Wolf Momoa is destined to make an even bigger impact than his father—and that’s saying something.