Momoa’s new film does more than showcase action and charisma—it carries a personal touch. While promoting “The Wrecking Crew,” he highlighted how a Hawaiian food chain from his past was included in the movie, connecting his upbringing to the story.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Momoa, 46, and co-star Dave Bautista, 57, discussed filming in Hawaii and the thoughtful choices made during production. One moment stood out: a local restaurant from Momoa’s childhood appears on screen, not merely as scenery but as a heartfelt nod to home.

“So I got to put in my favorite local spot, and it’s in the movie,” Momoa said. “That’s when I knew I made it. We’re in the menu.”

That restaurant is Zippy’s, a long-running Hawaiian food chain known across the islands for comfort meals and strong community ties. The inclusion wasn’t a marketing move. It reflected family routines and memories that stayed with Momoa long after childhood.

Why Zippy’s Matters to Jason Momoa

Instagram | @Olliekendal | Jason Momoa honors his roots by placing a beloved Hawaiian food spot into his film as a symbol of home and pride.

Momoa explained that visits to Zippy’s marked moments of connection with his father. Each return to Hawaii followed the same ritual.

“So every time, when I was a kid, I would land and see my dad and we’d go straight to Zippy’s,” he shared. “So it’s something that’s very dear to me, and we put it in the movie.”

That emotional connection shaped how the food appeared on screen. The film even features a custom Zippy’s “Wrecking Crew Pack”, created to fit the movie’s universe. According to Momoa, the meal includes local favorites that reflect everyday island life rather than flashy presentation.

“Dude, it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s just some of the favorite local food.”

On-Set Friendship and Food Talk

Momoa and Bautista reunited after working together on ‘Dune’ in 2021 and season two of Apple TV+’s ‘See’. Their on-set bond added humor to the conversation, especially when food entered the discussion.

Bautista joked about watching Momoa enjoy Zippy’s while he couldn’t participate. “He tore it up,” Bautista said, recalling the moment. “And I was just so jealous watching him eat, because nothing on the menu I can eat.”

The comment tied into Bautista’s recent weight loss and lifestyle changes following weight gain for his role in ‘Knock at the Cabin’ (2023). While discussing cheat meals, the contrast between their diets became clear.

Bautista noted that he avoids gluten and dairy and follows a plant-based diet. When he mentioned those restrictions, Momoa cut in with a quick reaction: “Boring!” The exchange drew laughter and highlighted their easy chemistry.

Cheat Meals: Two Very Different Choices

Instagram | @prideofgypsies | Bautista craves New York-style pizza, while Momoa prefers traditional Hawaiian comfort foods.

When asked about a true indulgence, Bautista didn’t hesitate. A proper cheat meal, in his view, means pizza. Not just any kind, but New York–style slices that require folding, with real crust baked just right and portions that feel oversized.

Momoa’s answer stayed close to home. His idea of a cheat meal centers on traditional Hawaiian dishes. He listed favorites such as kahlua pig, lau lau, poi, and macaroni salad, foods tied closely to family gatherings and island traditions.

As Momoa described it, the appeal comes from simplicity. Fried chicken, rice topped with chili, and macaroni salad made with mayo stood out as staples that carry both comfort and memory.

Local Culture at the Heart of the Film

For Momoa, featuring Zippy’s wasn’t about screen time for a brand. It reflected pride in local culture and a desire to show Hawaii as lived-in, familiar, and real. By placing everyday food into ‘The Wrecking Crew’, the film adds authenticity without drawing attention away from the story.

The moment also highlights how personal experiences can shape creative decisions. In this case, a childhood routine became part of a major film, quietly connecting past and present.

Including Zippy’s in ‘The Wrecking Crew’ adds depth that goes beyond action scenes and star performances. It anchors the film in real memories and local identity while showing how much personal history can influence storytelling.

For viewers, it offers a glimpse into what matters to Jason Momoa when the cameras are rolling and why honoring local culture remains part of his work.