Temuera Morrison portrays Hawai’i governor in latest movie
New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison has teamed up with Jason Momoa once again, this time in the action-comedy film “The Wrecking Crew.” Morrison plays the role of Gov. Peter Mahoe, a good friend of two estranged brothers portrayed by Momoa and Dave Bautista, who are looking into the mysterious death of their father in Hawai’i. The movie premiered on Amazon Prime Video on Jan. 27, offering viewers an exciting, fast-paced story filled with humor and intrigue.
Morrison shared his enthusiasm for working in Hawai’i, mentioning how it’s a dream location for any actor due to its beautiful scenery and vibrant culture. He even shared some of his favorite activities in the area, including filming, swimming, eating local snacks like malasada donuts, and catching a hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Center.
The film had a substantial filming schedule split between Hawaiʻi and New Zealand. Angela Laprete, the Hawaiʻi producer for the movie, highlighted the importance of bringing more film projects to Hawai’i, advocating for tax incentives that could attract more productions to the area.
Reflecting on his relationship with Momoa, Morrison mentioned how the “Aquaman” star was inspired by his work in iconic films like “Once Were Warriors” and played a pivotal role in getting him cast as his father in “Aquaman.” Morrison’s impressive career includes roles like Boba Fett in “Star Wars” and the voice of Chief Tui in “Moana,” showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor.
Sharing anecdotes from the set, Morrison reminisced about meeting Dave Bautista and offering him acting advice during their collaboration on a previous project. Bautista, who was relatively new to acting at the time, appreciated Morrison’s guidance and even gifted him a pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses as a token of gratitude while filming “The Wrecking Crew.”
Morrison emphasized the fun and comedic elements present in “The Wrecking Crew,” urging viewers to enjoy a light-hearted movie experience that promises entertainment for the whole family. Packed with colorful characters and unexpected twists, the film is a great choice for a movie night filled with laughs and excitement.
As Morrison and his co-stars bring “The Wrecking Crew” to audiences worldwide, he hopes viewers will appreciate the blend of action and comedy that captures the essence of Hawai’i and showcases the talents of the entire cast.

