Jason Momoa Says ‘Wrecking Crew’ Costar Dave Bautista Is ‘Like an Older Brother’ (Exclusive)

Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista are two of Hollywood’s most notable tough guys, but their softer sides emerge when discussing their years-long friendship and new film, The Wrecking Crew.

During a recent chat with PEOPLE, Momoa, who previously starred with Bautista in 2021’s Dune and season 2 of the Apple TV+ series See, tells Bautista he feels like “family” for one big reason. 

“I’m extremely comfortable even when we’re not talking,” Momoa says to his friend and costar. “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 also feels a level of familiarity. “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 says. “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.”

“I consider him like an older brother,” Momoa later adds about Bautista. “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.”

The pair, who first met at ComicCon years ago where they “geeked out” on each other, according to Momoa, play actual brothers in The Wrecking Crew, a new action comedy (set in Momoa’s native Hawaii) about estranged siblings who reunite after the mysterious death of their dad. 

For Momoa — who has two teenage children with ex Lisa Bonet — and Bautista — who has kids three children from previous relationships — making the movie in the Aloha State together was an unforgettable experience.

A favorite memory for both was riding their motorcycles around one evening after wrapping for the day.

“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,’” recalls Bautista.

“I mean, the sun’s setting in Hawaii and you’re right next to your buddy riding a Harley,” adds Momoa.

Bautista says he was sure to appreciate those 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 is now streaming on Prime Video.