Jason Momoa

HOUSE ATREIDES’ DUNCAN IDAHO

When Denis Villeneuve calls, is “yes” the only answer?

I mean, bro, he’s the only person I wanted to work with on that level. He’s my favourite. He called me up. I was like, “How the fuck does Denis know who I am?” We get into a meeting, and he’s got a 60-page book of all the images – literally shots that are in the movie right now. It just blew me away. I’ve seen it twice now. It’s just such an adult, sophisticated sci-fi film. It’s so deep, man. I freaked out.

Duncan Idaho is as cool as it gets in Dune…

After meeting Denis I read the book, and just fell in love with Duncan Idaho. He’s amazing. He’s the guy you want to be. A guy that you can have a beer with. A guy that’s going to be on the frontline to fight. A guy that’s going to have your back. A guy that gets the ladies. He’s just charming and fun, but a badass. And to Paul, he’s an older brother almost.

How did you and Timothée bond?

It was exactly like in the film – he’s like a little brother. He’s so intelligent. He’s something else to watch. He’s such a beautiful actor and considerate. He cares about his craft way more than I do. It’s just impressive to be around people like that.

Do you tease Timothée in the same way Duncan teases Paul?

That joke [about muscles in the trailer] came from me. There are these outtakes where I went up to Timmy, and I go, “Look at you, dick and ribs.” Denis comes up and says, “What is this talk about the ribs and his dick? I don’t understand.” I’m like, “Well, it’s funny, because Timmy’s so skinny.” He’s like, “OK. Maybe you can do it in another way?” But Timothée [got me back].

When I hug him he kneed me in the balls so hard! You can see it if you watch in slo-mo.

How did you develop Duncan’s fighting style?

I love doing anything that’s samurai-based. We used some Kali, which I’ve never really done before. It’s also fun because Denis’ never shot that kind of stuff. You get to see it through his lens, and it’s a totally different experience.

Fans will know that Duncan goes on an interesting journey in subsequent books…

He does, doesn’t he? If the films go well, I’ve got a good future.