Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista‘s new buddy cop movie, The Wrecking Crew, brings explosive action and family drama to screens. The film, which starts streaming on January 28, 2026, on Prime Video, is as much a travelogue as it is a comedy. For fans curious about where the movie was made, the production traveled across the Pacific, filming in authentic neighborhoods in Hawaii and using New Zealand’s landscapes to double for more Hawaiian scenery.
Where Was The Wrecking Crew Filmed?
Principal photography for The Wrecking Crew began on October 5, 2024. The shoot took place in two primary regions: the Hawaiian islands and New Zealand. While the story is set entirely in Hawaii, large portions were filmed in Auckland and surrounding areas to capture specific looks and scale. This two-country approach allowed the production to showcase real Hawaiian life while utilizing New Zealand’s film-friendly infrastructure for major action sequences.
Hawaii Filming Locations: From Waianae to Waikiki
The film used well-known and everyday spots across Oahu to ground its story in reality.
- Waianae: This area on the west side of Oahu was used for grounded, local street scenes. It provides a raw, lived-in feel for the brothers’ tense reunion.
- Aliสปiลlani Hale, Honolulu: The historic government building in downtown Honolulu adds a sense of authority and is used for legal-style scenes.
- Chinatown, Honolulu: The narrow streets and neon signs of Chinatown were perfect for high-energy chase sequences, requiring temporary road closures.
- Kakaสปako: This modern, colorful district in Honolulu was used for dynamic street moments and chase scenes.
- Zippyโs Ewa: The popular local restaurant chain appears in the film, adding a slice-of-life feel and authentic Hawaiian culture.
- Kualoa Ranch: A favorite filming location for many movies, its dramatic landscapes were used for large-scale outdoor scenes.
- Makapuสปu: Known for its coastal views and rugged terrain, this area features in visually striking moments that balance action with atmosphere.
- Waikiki Beach: The iconic beach appears, showcasing the vibrant side of Honolulu.
- Hawaii Convention Centre: Used for structured, high-stakes scenes that require scale and a controlled space.
New Zealand Filming Locations: Auckland and Martins Bay
New Zealand served as a secondary production base, with Auckland extensively doubling for parts of Hawaii.
- Auckland (Tฤmaki Makaurau): The production made wide use of Auckland’s city streets, neighborhoods, and infrastructure. Areas like South Auckland and the suburb of ลtฤhuhu were transformed to stand in for Hawaiian settings. The production engaged local communities and employed a large number of New Zealand cast and crew.
- Martins Bay: For more than two weeks, the production set up a large unit base at Martins Bay Holiday Park on the Mahurangi Peninsula. A clifftop property here was used as the home of the film’s villain, Marcus Robichaux (Claes Bang). The shoot involved night shoots, stunts, and gunfight sequences, significantly impacting local accommodation and businesses.
The scale of the New Zealand operation was substantial. Location manager Clayton Tikau noted the production’s effort to support the local economy, saying, โWe really try when we come to Mahurangi or Warkworth to buy from here, so local people see the benefitโฆ all the money we can is being spent here.โ[reference:0]
Release Info and Streaming Details
The Wrecking Crew had its world premiere at the Regal Times Square theater in New York City on January 15, 2026. The film is scheduled to be released globally on Amazon Prime Video on January 28, 2026. With a runtime of 122 minutes, the film is rated R for graphic violence and language.
Fan Reactions and Review Highlights
Early reviews highlight the film’s use of real locations. Variety noted the film is โnicely shot in Hawaiโi and New Zealand locations standing in for Hawaiโi.โ[reference:1] Fans online have praised the authentic feel of the settings. Many appreciate that the filmmakers used actual streets and public spaces instead of relying solely on studio sets. Viewers from Hawaii and New Zealand have expressed excitement about seeing familiar places on screen.
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Behind the Scenes: Production Impact on Local Communities
The filming of The Wrecking Crew had a notable economic impact on both Hawaii and New Zealand. In Auckland, the production was described as one of the largest to arrive since The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, expected to employ over 1,400 local cast, crew, and extras[reference:2]. Nick Hill, chief executive of Tฤtaki Auckland Unlimited, stated the project would inject a significant boost into local businesses and the region’s screen sector.
In New Zealand’s Martins Bay area, the production required dozens of trucks, trailers, and marquees, booking out local accommodation and utilizing local services. The production team worked closely with the community to minimize disruption, with location managers highlighting the positive feedback from residents.
The Wrecking Crew is now available to stream worldwide on Prime Video, offering audiences not just a buddy action comedy but a visually rich tour of Pacific landscapes.
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