In Hollywood, changing appearances is a rite of passage, allowing actors to transform their looks to fully embody a role. But when someone like Jason Momoa, known for his rugged, bearded persona, appears clean-shaven, it naturally draws attention. The Dune 3 star’s recent smooth-faced look for the said film marks a striking departure from the wild, warrior-like image audiences have come to expect from him. Though rare, this, however, is not the first time he has made such a transformation.

Jason Momoa’s scruff is iconic, but there have been several instances where he went clean shaven to suit a character.

In Denis Villeneuve’s Dune, Jason Momoa portrayed the role of Duncan Idaho, a sword master sworn to protect House Atreides. The film’s sleek sci-fi aesthetic called for a more refined look, so out went Momoa’s beard. The star appeared clean-shaven in most scenes of the debut movie of the Warner Bros. Pictures franchise, though he briefly sported a faint goatee or moustache.

The decision to shave was simple: to align with Duncan’s polished military persona. Stripped of his usual facial hair, Momoa brought a more earnest quality to the role, making his part one of the film’s emotional anchors. 

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Rugged in spirit but smooth in appearance, Jason Momoa’s following film also brought a raw edge, without his trademark beard.

In this gritty reboot of the classic sword-and-sandals saga, Jason Momoa portrayed the titular role, the fierce warrior born on the battlefield. While one would expect a full beard to match the character’s primal energy, Momoa surprised audiences with a clean-shaven look.

The choice added a fresh twist to a well-worn character, allowing his expressive features to enchant fans while still delivering the raw physicality. It was a bold, unconventional take, one that supported Momoa's acting prowess in the best way possible. His beardless reign, however, began via a comedy cameo.

Before Jason Momoa became the Tinseltown powerhouse that he is today, he appeared in a light-hearted comedy titled Johnson Family Vacation, playing a minor role as Navarro, a waiter. This early career appearance featured a much younger and, of course, clean-shaven Momoa. With barely a hint of facial hair, he looked a milestone away from the bearded icon he is now known as. The movie acts as a fun, almost nostalgic blast from the past of the actor now headlining major movie franchises, including Aquaman, Dune, and more. 

Whether wielding swords or serving punchlines, Jason Momoa’s rare clean-shaven moments prove that even showbiz's fiercest faces are not afraid to switch things up. And while the beard might be Momoa's trademark, it is clear that his talent and presence do not depend on it.

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Do you prefer Jason Momoa with or without a beard? Let us know in the comments.