Director Angel Manuel Soto Reveals How Momoa and Bautista Brought Real Selves to 'The Wrecking Crew'
Filmmaker Angel Manuel Soto, the director behind the new action-comedy film "The Wrecking Crew," has opened up about the unique dynamic between stars Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. In a recent virtual interview, Soto explained that the movie's success hinges on the two actors playing heightened versions of their real-life personalities, creating an authentic and compelling on-screen chemistry.
A Buddy Cop Story with Deep Emotional Layers
"The Wrecking Crew," which premiered on Prime Video on January 28, is described as a buddy cop action-comedy. The plot follows two half-brothers—a loose cannon cop and a disciplined Navy SEAL—who must collaborate to uncover a conspiracy behind their father's murder in Hawaii. Written by Jonathan Tropper, known for "This is Where I Leave You" and "The Adam Project," the film has garnered positive reviews for its handling of estranged family dynamics amidst explosive action.
Soto, 43, emphasized that both Bautista and Momoa were able to infuse their characters with elements of their true selves, which he described as a beautiful and enriching experience. "That's why those characters feel lived in, and their chemistry is so unique. It's because they're actually playing heightened versions of themselves," Soto stated.
Dave Bautista's Monk-Like Presence and Jason Momoa's Explosive Energy
Elaborating on their performances, Soto highlighted Bautista's disciplined and rigid nature, both on and off screen. "Dave brings his monk-like presence. He has this unique presence and he's very rigid. And in real life, he's a very disciplined guy. And his character is not that different. It's almost like this is what the extreme version of yourself could be," the director explained.
Regarding Momoa, Soto noted his spontaneous and energetic approach. "Jason, same thing... He brings that nihilistic, fun, explosive energy to the set. The same way that he's in real life and you see him on social media is not that different from the way he handles acting. He will come and he will explore and he will keep it spontaneous."
Tropper's Script: Blending Action with Vulnerability
Soto, who previously directed "Charm City Kings" and "Blue Beetle," credited writer Jonathan Tropper for crafting a story that balances fun with sensitivity. "The part that got me excited about the whole exploration of this genre was the fact that Tropper weaved in a very important part that is often left out of action movies—which is having our heroes who are testosterone-driven, and the action is explosive. But there's a moment of vulnerability that is not just a payoff," Soto said.
According to the director, the film builds toward a pivotal moment where "two grown-a** men" finally lower their emotional walls and become vulnerable with each other. "A lot of times, we don't dive enough in these types of movies, because there's this misconception that real men don't ask questions, real men don't show emotions. And we believe that is the opposite. If you embrace that side of you, you're going to be able to be the man that you're meant to be," he added.
Hawaiian Setting: A Tropical Twist on Classic Action
The choice to set the movie in Hawaii was a deliberate departure from typical high-octane action films, which often take place in urban environments like downtown Los Angeles. Soto explained, "Our biggest references and the shoulders that we know we stand on, like 'Lethal Weapon' or '48 Hours,' everything takes place in downtown LA. For us, it was like, how can we embrace the homage of these films, but paint it on a tropical picture?"
He continued, "You cannot hide the tropical landscape, you cannot hide the sun in Hawaii. So let's embrace it and make it part of it and give a different texture to a genre that embraces the cultural identity of a place."
Supporting Cast and Overall Impact
"The Wrecking Crew" also features a strong supporting cast, including Claes Bang, Temuera Morrison, Jacob Batalon, Frankie Adams, Miyavi, Stephen Root, and Morena Baccarin. The film's blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth, combined with the authentic performances of its leads, has made it a standout release on Prime Video, offering viewers a fresh take on the buddy cop genre while challenging traditional notions of masculinity in action cinema.
