Jason Momoa describes his longtime friend Dave Bautista as like an older brother, highlighting the closeness of their relationship both on and off screen. The two actors, known for their strong on-screen presences, recently spoke about their bond during the promotion of their new Prime Video film, The Wrecking Crew, which premiered in Momoa’s home state of Hawaii.
Their friendship dates back several years, with previous collaborations including the 2021 film Dune and the second season of the Apple TV+ series See. Momoa shared with PEOPLE that his comfort with Bautista goes beyond traditional friendship, emphasizing a sense of family between them. This bond notably enriches their work together, especially as they portray brothers in their latest movie.
The Comfort of an Unspoken Bond
Momoa expressed how at ease he feels around Bautista, describing moments when they can simply be together in silence without the need for conversation.
“I’m extremely comfortable even when we’re not talking,”
Momoa said.
“We can be in the same room hanging out, doing our own thing. And I can just be in your presence. You know what I mean? I don’t have to say s–t.”
Bautista reciprocated this sentiment by sharing his appreciation for their friendship.
“I’ve told you this a million times. I love you and I’m comfortable with you and I respect you and I’m proud of you,”
Bautista said.
“So working with you is a dream come true. It’s never work when you work with people you love, and I love the s–t out of you.”
Describing Bautista as an Older Brother
Momoa emphasized the role Bautista plays in his life by describing him as an older brother figure.
“I consider him like an older brother,”
Momoa stated.
“And I know I could call him at any moment for anything I need, and he’d be there [at the] drop of a hat without a doubt for me and my family. So that’s where I’m at with him.”
This unwavering support speaks to the depth of their connection beyond the film industry.
They first crossed paths at ComicCon, where their mutual enthusiasm for each other’s work sparked an enduring friendship. In The Wrecking Crew, they bring their real-life brotherly rapport to the screen, playing estranged siblings who reunite after their father’s mysterious death. The movie is an action comedy set in Hawaii, highlighting the landscape that shaped Momoa’s childhood.
Shared Family Experiences and Filming in Hawaii
Both actors, who are fathers—Momoa with two teenagers from his previous relationship with Lisa Bonet and Bautista with three children from prior relationships—consider their time filming in Hawaii special. The opportunity to work together while surrounded by the island’s natural beauty created lasting memories for the pair.
One of their favorite experiences during the shoot was riding motorcycles together after a day’s work. Bautista recalled,
“There was one day where we did, that was our last shot of the day and we were just riding through there by the beaches, through the hills, through the mountains. And Jason’s like, ‘We’re done.’ And he said, ‘Let’s ride back.’ So we rode back to base on the motorcycles, man. I was like, ‘Can’t believe we’re getting paid to do this.’”
Momoa added,
“I mean, the sun’s setting in Hawaii and you’re right next to your buddy riding a Harley.”
Appreciating Rare Moments Amid Busy Careers
Bautista reflected on how rare such experiences are within their demanding film careers.
“There’s a lot of times when working on films and you’re on stages and you’re in places that just aren’t paradise. And I always say, and I always say to everybody who’s around me, appreciate days like this, because they’re far and few between. But days like that, they’re once in a lifetime days.”
As The Wrecking Crew streams now on Prime Video, it offers audiences a glimpse into the dynamic chemistry of two actors who share much more than just the screen, underscored by a genuine bond that feels like family.
