From once saying “no way” to acting, to watching his teenage son step into one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood, Jason Momoa couldn’t be prouder.
The Aquaman star joined the SmartLess podcast from London, where he’s promoting his Apple TV+ series Chief of War. Currently filming Dune: Part Three in Budapest, Momoa shared how life has taken a surprising turn for his 16-year-old son, Nakoa-Wolf (known as Wolf), who recently landed his first major role.
“He’s trained in martial arts his whole life,” Momoa explained, recalling how he once insisted his son stick to school plays in Topanga Canyon. “I told him, you’re not acting — no way.”
But everything changed when producer Cale Boyter noticed Wolf and thought he had screen presence. Soon enough, Wolf was cast as Leto II, the son of Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya’s characters in the upcoming film.
Momoa recalled the whirlwind schedule leading up to his son’s big debut: “We flew to Hawaii for the Chief of War premiere, celebrated my daughter’s 18th, then immediately headed to Budapest. His first scene was on the 23rd — and I was sitting there, nervous as hell, watching him.”
That first scene happened to be with Zendaya. “He just crushed it,” Momoa admitted emotionally. “I was bawling. I was so proud of him.”
When asked if his son now understood the intensity of the film industry, Momoa laughed: “He told me, ‘Pop, I have so much respect for you now.’”
For the proud father, the joy comes from seeing his child step into his own path: “You want your kids to be better than you. And he’s gonna be. He’s gonna blow me away.”
Dune: Part Three is set to release on December 18, 2026 — with Wolf Momoa stepping into the spotlight alongside Hollywood’s biggest names.
