Hawaiian Food Chain Close to Jason Momoa’s Heart Featured in His New Film

NEED TO KNOW

• Jason Momoa promotes his new movie, The Wrecking Crew, sharing insights from its Hawaii production.
• He highlights a beloved Hawaiian food chain that is “very dear” to him.
• Momoa discusses his friendship with co-star Dave Bautista and the importance of local culture on set.

Jason Momoa brought more than just star power to his latest film; he infused it with personal nostalgia from his Hawaiian roots.

In an exclusive interview, Momoa, alongside co-star Dave Bautista, discussed his upcoming film The Wrecking Crew. The 46-year-old actor revealed that a cherished Hawaiian eatery is featured in the movie in a significant way. “So I got to put in my favorite local favorite, and it’s in the movie,” he said, referring to Zippy’s, a well-known chain celebrated for its comfort food and deep local ties. “That’s when I knew I made it. We’re in the menu.”

Momoa elaborated on his attachment to Zippy’s, recalling how visiting the restaurant was a tradition during his childhood. “So every time, when I was a kid, I would land and see my dad, and we’d go straight to Zippy’s,” he reminisced. “It’s something that’s very dear to me, and we put it in the movie.”

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista star in The Wrecking Crew.

Courtesy of Prime

The moment was especially poignant for Bautista, who has previously teamed up with Momoa in the films Dune and the Apple TV+ series See. He playfully remarked on watching his co-star enjoy Zippy’s offerings while being unable to partake. “He tore it up,” Bautista said, “and I was just so jealous watching him eat because nothing on the menu I can eat.”

Bautista, who has been open about his weight loss journey and nutritional choices, noted how their differing diets have influenced their approach to food. “If I throw out all my diet restrictions… because now I’m gluten-free, dairy-free,” he began, to which Momoa interjected, “Boring!”

Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa star in THE WRECKING CREW.

Jason Laciste/Prime

Bautista expressed that if he could indulge without restrictions, it would be with a classic New York-style pizza, “like pizza with real crust that just rises and is baked just right.” Meanwhile, Momoa’s idea of a cheat meal remains deeply rooted in his heritage. “My cheat meal is just Hawaiian food, just all the stuff I love,” he shared, mentioning favorites like “Kahlua pig and lau lau and poi and mac salad.”

Momoa also teased that a special “Wrecking Crew Pack” from Zippy’s made its way into the film, reflecting his pride in showcasing local cuisine. “Dude, it’s amazing,” he said, highlighting items like fried chicken, rice with chili, and macaroni salad.

For Momoa, the inclusion of Hawaiian food in the film transcended mere product placement; it was an expression of cultural pride and personal connection. “Fried chicken, rice with chili on top, and macaroni salad, the mayo inside, man,” he said with a smile, recalling cherished memories.

The Wrecking Crew is currently streaming on Prime Video.