Jason Momoa rang in his 46th birthday with double the excitement as he launched his new Apple TV+ series Chief of War and started filming Dune: Part Three on the very same day. Despite entering a new year in life, slowing down was not on Momoa’s agenda. Speaking with People, the actor revealed, “I’m starting Dune on my birthday while Chief of War premieres. July has been non-stop. The crash afterward is going to be intense.”
The historical drama Chief of War, which delves into Hawaii’s rich past during the 18th century, is a deeply personal project for Momoa, who co-created the series with Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. “I feel like this story chose me—it’s part of my destiny,” Momoa said. “Playing the role of my ancestors is both thrilling and terrifying. It’s a huge responsibility.”
Adding to the buzz, just ahead of his birthday, Momoa surprised fans by shaving his beard for the first time in six years. In an Instagram video posted on July 30, he documented the moment as he spoke about eliminating single-use plastics. “Here we go again—six years without shaving,” read the caption. The clean-cut look was timed perfectly for his return to the Dune universe.
Momoa isn’t heading into Dune: Part Three alone—his 16-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf, is joining the film’s cast. Confirming the news in an interview with Extra, the proud father shared, “This is his first job. He’s earned it on his own—I haven’t helped him. He’s stepped into it independently, and I’m so proud.”