Jason Momoa made sure to include Zippy’s, his favorite Hawaiian restaurant chain from childhood, in the movie The Wrecking Crew because the eatery and its food hold great sentimental value for him. Speaking to PEOPLE in an exclusive interview on January 29, Momoa reflected on the scene featuring Zippy’s.
“So I got to put in my favorite local favorite and it’s in the movie. That’s when I knew I made it. We’re in the menu. So every time, when I was a kid, I would land and see my dad and we’d go straight to Zippy’s. So it’s something that’s very dear to me, and we put it in the movie.”
This moment symbolized an important milestone for Momoa, combining his personal history with his professional work.
His co-star Dave Bautista added a lighthearted comment about the scene, noting Momoa’s enjoyment of the food, which Bautista could not partake in due to dietary restrictions.
“He tore it up. And I was just jealous watching him eat, because nothing on the menu I can eat.”
The Legacy and Appeal of Zippy’s Restaurants
Zippy’s is a well-known restaurant chain that began in Hawaii in 1966, gaining widespread popularity for serving filling and traditional local dishes. With 26 locations, including one outside Hawaii in Las Vegas, Zippy’s continues to attract fans of hearty Hawaiian comfort food.
Its reputation extends beyond the islands, drawing the attention of celebrities like Bruno Mars and former President Barack Obama. Momoa himself shared some of his favorite Hawaiian dishes from Zippy’s with PEOPLE, highlighting the foods that represent his personal connection to the restaurant.
“My cheat meal is just Hawaiian food, just all the stuff I love. Kahlua pig and lau lau and poi and mac salad.”
Jason Momoa’s Roots and the Cultural Significance Behind the Cameo
Momoa’s background as a Native Hawaiian, born to a Native Hawaiian father and a mother of German, Irish, and Pawnee (Native American) descent, adds depth to the inclusion of Zippy’s in the film. Raised partly in Honolulu and partly in Iowa after his parents divorced, Momoa carries with him a diverse identity that informs his perspectives.
In addition to placing Zippy’s in The Wrecking Crew, a custom “Wrecking Crew Pack” featuring local dishes was created, further blending Momoa’s heritage with the movie’s fictional universe.
Beyond film, Momoa recently appeared in the Apple TV+ series Chief of War, portraying the story of Hawaii’s unification from 1782 to 1810. This connection to Hawaiian history strengthens Momoa’s advocacy for authentic representation of his culture.
During a 2025 interview with SCREEN, Momoa expressed frustration over Hollywood’s stereotypical portrayal of Hawaii, emphasizing that the real Hawaii he knows is far from the postcard images commonly shown.
“Hollywood has always portrayed Hawaii like a postcard. It’s a bit different from what I know. We’re obviously talking about the past, which a lot of people don’t know. Even speaking of the modern times when I was growing up, I don’t identify with anything about Hawaii that’s been put out there. It’s a bit of false advertising.”
Why This Cameo Resonates Beyond the Screen
Momoa’s choice to insert Zippy’s into The Wrecking Crew is not just a nostalgic nod but a deliberate act to preserve and share a genuine piece of Hawaiian culture. This cameo helps counter widespread misconceptions and invites audiences to recognize and appreciate local Hawaiian traditions.
As Momoa’s career grows, his efforts to bring authenticity to Hawaiian stories and experiences may inspire further inclusion of indigenous culture in mainstream media, fostering more accurate representation.
With Momoa’s influential platform, moments like the Zippy’s cameo serve as subtle yet powerful reminders of personal heritage, enhancing viewers’ understanding of the man behind the roles and the culture he champions.
#TheWreckingCrew is Bad Boys takes Hawaii with Mortal Kombat level Violence! Brutal, action packed, hilarious cheesy one liners (that always will make you laugh, & incredible chemistry between Momoa and Bautista!
I’d watch 5 more of these! Thank you Angel Manuel Soto! pic.twitter.com/JjbWJjAlgF
— Zach Pope (@popetheking) January 28, 2026
