Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, both widely recognized for their tough on-screen personas, reveal a heartfelt connection that goes far beyond their film roles. In a recent interview, Momoa shared how their friendship, which has developed over several years, feels like family to him, highlighting their unique comfort and closeness. Their bond is the foundation of their new Prime Video film The Wrecking Crew, where they star as estranged brothers reuniting under difficult circumstances.
Comfort and Familiarity Define Their Relationship
Momoa explained that his friendship with Bautista offers him a rare sense of ease.
“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 echoed these feelings, expressing his respect and affection.
“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,”
he stated.
“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.”
Like Family: An Older Brother in Every Sense
Momoa further elaborated on the depth of his connection to Bautista, describing him as an older brother figure. He said,
“I consider him like an older brother,”
and added,
“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.”
Their long-standing friendship was sparked years ago at ComicCon, where they bonded over mutual fandom and have maintained a close relationship ever since.
Filming The Wrecking Crew in Hawaii Creates Lasting Memories
The action comedy The Wrecking Crew is set in Momoa’s home state of Hawaii and explores the dynamics of two brothers reconnecting after their father’s mysterious death. Both actors, who have families of their own—Momoa with two teenage children from his past relationship with Lisa Bonet, and Bautista with three children from previous relationships—treasured the experience of filming in the scenic Aloha State.
One moment that stood out to them was riding motorcycles together on an evening after wrapping filming for the day. 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.”
Shared Experiences Highlight the Rare Nature of Their Friendship
Bautista emphasized the value of such moments.
“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.”
The Wrecking Crew, showcasing both actors’ chemistry and connection, is now available for streaming on Prime Video, offering audiences not just entertainment, but a glimpse into a sincere and enduring friendship anchored in trust and mutual respect.
