Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista are finally sharing the screen in a full-on buddy cop action comedy. Team Demolition (released internationally as The Wrecking Crew) is set to hit Prime Video on January 28, 2026, bringing together two of the most physically imposing stars in Hollywood for a movie that blends family drama, explosive action, and laid-back island vibes.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and directed by Ángel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle), the film leans into the classic odd-couple cop formula while updating it with a modern, global sensibility and a deeply personal family storyline.
Plot Overview: A Family Mystery Wrapped in an Action Comedy
At the heart of Team Demolition is a family story disguised as an action comedy. The movie centers on two half-brothers who can barely stand each other but are forced to work together when their father dies under suspicious circumstances in Hawaii.
Jason Momoa plays Jonny, a hot-headed, impulsive cop whose instincts often kick in long before his better judgment. On the other side of the personality spectrum is James, brought to life by Dave Bautista, a disciplined and hyper-methodical former Navy SEAL. James approaches every situation like a tactical operation, while Jonny tends to treat life like a bar fight waiting to happen.
When their father’s unexplained death pulls them back into each other’s orbit, the half-brothers reluctantly join forces to figure out what really happened. What starts as a seemingly contained family tragedy quickly escalates into a much bigger conspiracy, forcing them to dig into secrets that tie together their past, their family, and dangerous forces operating in their island home.
Brotherhood, Trauma, and Tension: Emotional Stakes Behind the Explosions
While the premise promises outrageous set pieces and high-energy banter, Team Demolition doesn’t just rely on punchlines and gunfights. The core of the movie is the fractured relationship between Jonny and James.
Their dynamic is shaped by:
- Old resentments tied to how each of them experienced their father and their divided upbringing
- Unspoken grievances that come out in the worst possible moments, often in the middle of dangerous operations
- Inherited violence—both from their family environment and from the violent worlds they chose as adults (police work and special forces)
As they peel back the layers of the investigation, the film weaves together their emotional baggage with the external stakes of the case. The comedy largely springs from their clashing personalities, but the tension is grounded in very real pain, regret, and the question of whether these two men can actually build something like a real family bond—or if it’s already too late.
Alongside that interpersonal conflict, the investigation widens into a broader scheme with implications far beyond one suspicious death, turning the movie into a hybrid of family mystery, cop thriller, and action comedy.
Watch the first footage here:
Prime Video’s Big-Swing Buddy Movie: Why This Pairing Matters
For streaming audiences in the U.S., Team Demolition is positioned as a major Prime Video release, capitalizing on the rare pairing of Momoa and Bautista. Both actors have built strong fanbases through major franchises—Aquaman, Fast & Furious, Dune, Guardians of the Galaxy—but this is the first time they’re truly co-leading a film as an on-screen duo.
From a streaming and SEO perspective, the movie hits several high-interest zones for U.S. viewers:
- Buddy cop action comedies with a modern twist
- Hawaii-set thrillers that mix paradise visuals with darker storylines
- Military and law enforcement characters forced into uneasy partnerships
- Prime Video original movies that feel big and cinematic, not just “made-for-streaming” fillers
The film’s mix of humor, emotional stakes, and blockbuster-style action makes it a natural candidate for Google Discover and recommendation algorithms on both search and streaming platforms—especially given the strong name recognition of its two leads.
Cast Breakdown: An International Ensemble Around Momoa and Bautista
Beyond its headline duo, Team Demolition brings together a cast that reflects both its global reach and its Pacific setting.
The ensemble includes:
- Morena Baccarin – Known for Deadpool and Firefly, she adds a grounded, dramatic presence that often anchors high-concept projects.
- Claes Bang – The Danish actor from The Square and Dracula brings a sharp, sophisticated edge, ideal for morally ambiguous or villainous roles.
- Temuera Morrison – A key figure in both New Zealand and global genre cinema (Star Wars, Aquaman), his presence reinforces the film’s Pacific identity.
- Jacob Batalon – Best known as Ned in the recent Spider-Man films, he’s likely to inject additional humor and youthful energy into the story.
- Frankie Adams – Recognized for The Expanse, she brings physicality and intensity that matches the film’s action-forward tone.
- Stephen Root – As a detective sergeant, the veteran character actor (from Office Space, Barry, Get Out) can swing between comedic timing and grounded drama, making him a key part of the film’s tonal balance.
The movie also carries an emotional weight offscreen: it features the final film role of David Hekili Kenui Bell, who passed away in 2025. Although he only appeared occasionally in movies during his lifetime, his involvement here adds another layer of meaning, especially given the story’s strong ties to Hawaii and family legacies.
Hawaii and New Zealand as Key Characters in the Story
Rather than treating its locations as generic backdrops, Team Demolition uses its real-world settings as an integral part of the film’s identity.
The production shot primarily in:
- Hawaii – The in-story setting, offering a contrast between postcard-perfect landscapes and the darker undercurrents of the investigation.
- New Zealand – Providing additional environments and scale, expanding the visual palette and helping to stage larger action beats.
Principal photography kicked off in October 2024, with director Ángel Manuel Soto working to merge sweeping natural vistas with intimate character moments and tightly choreographed action sequences. For U.S. viewers used to seeing Hawaii mostly in sun-soaked vacation narratives or light procedural shows, this film promises a more intense, stylized, and emotionally loaded perspective.
Director and Composer: Reuniting After Blue Beetle
The creative team behind Team Demolition reunites director Ángel Manuel Soto and composer Bobby Krlic (also known as The Haxan Cloak), who previously worked together on Blue Beetle.
Bobby Krlic’s score is expected to lean into rhythm and tension, supporting:
- The movie’s rapid pacing and frequent shifts between comedy and danger
- The emotional throughline of two brothers confronting their shared history
- The mix of police procedural elements and larger-scale action
With Soto’s eye for visually dynamic action and Krlic’s ability to build atmosphere through music, the film aims to feel like a theatrical-level experience that just happens to debut directly on streaming.
Why Team Demolition Is Poised to Hit Big on Prime Video
From a U.S. streaming audience standpoint, Team Demolition checks a number of boxes that often drive high engagement:
- Star power: Two recognizable leads with strong genre credentials.
- High-concept hook: Half-brothers on opposite ends of the personality spectrum forced into a dangerous investigation.
- Distinct setting: Hawaii and New Zealand locations that stand out visually in a crowded content landscape.
- Genre blend: Action, comedy, and family mystery rolled into one.
For viewers scrolling through Prime Video looking for something that feels big, fast, and character-driven, this movie is positioned as a marquee January release—ideal for winter binge sessions and social media chatter.
When and Where to Watch Team Demolition
Release date (U.S.): January 28, 2026
Platform: Exclusive streaming on Amazon Prime Video
If you’re a fan of buddy cop classics, high-energy action, or just want to see Momoa and Bautista trade punches and punchlines, Team Demolition is one to add to your watchlist.
FAQ
When does Team Demolition come out on Prime Video?
Team Demolition is scheduled to premiere on January 28, 2026, and will be available to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the United States and other supported regions.
Who are the main stars of Team Demolition?
The film is headlined by Jason Momoa as impulsive cop Jonny and Dave Bautista as James, a methodical former Navy SEAL. They play half-brothers forced to investigate their father’s suspicious death, forming the central duo of this action comedy.
Where was Team Demolition filmed?
Team Demolition was primarily shot in Hawaii and New Zealand. Hawaii serves as the in-story setting and provides much of the film’s visual identity, while New Zealand locations help expand the scale and variety of the action scenes.
Is Team Demolition part of a franchise or a standalone movie?
As of its 2026 release, Team Demolition is a standalone feature film. However, with its star power, distinct setting, and buddy-cop dynamic, it has the potential to launch sequels or spin-offs if it connects strongly with Prime Video audiences.
