You’ve seen him as a trident-wielding king and a desert warrior, but Jason Momoa’s heart has always been pinned to the Pacific. Lately, everyone is buzzing about the "Jason Momoa Hawaiian movie" that feels like it’s been in the works for a lifetime. If you’re confused whether people are talking about a historical epic or a buddy-cop explosion, you aren't alone.
The truth is, 2026 has become the year of Momoa's Hawaiian takeover. Specifically, we're looking at The Wrecking Crew, a high-octane action comedy that just landed on Prime Video this January. It isn't just another paycheck for him. This is a project that basically started as a dare on social media between two of the biggest guys in Hollywood and turned into a full-blown love letter to Oahu.
Why The Wrecking Crew is More Than Just Muscle
Honestly, the backstory of this film is kinda wild. Back in 2021, Dave Bautista basically tweeted into existence the idea of doing a "Lethal Weapon" style movie with Momoa. Fast forward to now, and we have The Wrecking Crew.
Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto—the guy who did Blue Beetle—the movie follows two estranged half-brothers. Momoa plays Jonny, a "loose cannon" cop, while Bautista is James, a disciplined Navy SEAL. They return to Hawaii to solve their father’s murder, but they end up tangled with the Yakuza.
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It sounds like a standard trope, right? But Soto and Momoa pushed for something deeper. They wanted to show the "real" Hawaii, not just the postcard version. They even worked in themes of land displacement and the erasure of Indigenous culture. It’s a weird, fun mix of "blowing things up" and "actually caring about the setting."
Who Else is in the Mix?
The cast is surprisingly stacked with local talent and heavy hitters. You've got:
- Temuera Morrison: A legend in Polynesian cinema, bringing that gravitas he’s known for.
- Jacob Batalon: Our favorite guy from the Spider-Man movies, adding some local flavor.
- Morena Baccarin & Stephen Root: Providing the veteran acting chops that keep the plot grounded when the cars start flipping.
The Confusion with Chief of War
A lot of people searching for a Jason Momoa Hawaiian movie are actually thinking of Chief of War. It’s an easy mistake. While The Wrecking Crew is a modern-day action flick, Chief of War is a massive historical epic that hit Apple TV+ in late 2025.
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If you want the "Braveheart of Hawaii," that’s the one. Momoa co-created it, wrote it, and stars as Kaʻiana, a warrior chief during the unification of the islands in the 1700s. It’s gritty. It’s shot largely in Hawaiian (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi). It’s the project Momoa says he’s been dreaming of since he was a kid.
The Wrecking Crew is the popcorn fun; Chief of War is the legacy.
Where They Actually Filmed
Interestingly, while both projects scream "Hawaii," they had to get creative. The Wrecking Crew did a lot of heavy lifting on Oahu, but like many big productions, parts of it moved to New Zealand. Why? Better tax breaks and infrastructure.
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Momoa has been pretty vocal about wanting to build up the film industry in Hawaii so he doesn't have to keep flying his "ohana" to Auckland just to tell a story about Honolulu. It’s a sore spot for local crews, but the fact that Momoa is at least hiring predominantly Polynesian actors is a huge step in the right direction.
Is It Worth Your Sunday Night?
If you’re looking for The Wrecking Crew, you’re getting a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously. The chemistry between Momoa and Bautista is electric. They genuinely look like they’re having the time of their lives.
The action sequences are massive. We're talking snipers in helicopters and highway chases that feel like they cost more than the GDP of a small country. But it's the banter—the "half-brother" bickering—that actually carries the movie.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to catch the best of Momoa’s Hawaiian projects right now, here is how to navigate the 2026 landscape:
- For Action & Laughs: Head over to Amazon Prime Video to stream The Wrecking Crew. It’s the definitive "buddy cop" movie of the year.
- For History & Culture: Check out Apple TV+ for Chief of War. Warning: It’s nine episodes and very intense. Don't expect Aquaman vibes.
- Support Local: If you’re inspired by the scenery, look into the real history of the sites mentioned, like Nuʻuanu Valley or Puʻukoholā Heiau. Both projects draw heavily from real locations that have deep spiritual significance to the Kanaka Maoli.
The era of Hawaii being used as just a "pretty backdrop" is ending. Between these two projects, Jason Momoa is proving that the islands have stories to tell that are just as big as any superhero franchise.