Momoa, Waititi, and Curtis Buy Auckland Film Studio

When Jason Momoa, Taika Waititi, and Cliff Curtis joined forces to buy Auckland's Studio West, they weren't just acquiring a film studio. They were claiming ownership of their creative future and building a launchpad for the next generation of Polynesian storytellers.

The trio purchased the 29-year-old studio through their company Āriki Group, marking a milestone moment for Indigenous representation in the global film industry. Studio West has been home to major productions like Momoa's Apple TV+ series Chief of War, which filmed there recently.

For Curtis, the purchase feels like coming home. He first worked at Studio West nearly 30 years ago, and now he's helping shape its future alongside two of the world's most recognized Polynesian entertainers.

"New Zealand has become a place that feels like home to me: creatively, culturally, and spiritually," Momoa said. The actor praised the country's deep respect for story, land, and community.

Waititi sees the acquisition as a lifeline for an industry under pressure. New Zealand's film sector has been struggling recently, with opportunities for young filmmakers and actors becoming scarce and scattered across regions.

"The focus for us is bringing that work and uplifting, well actually not just our people but people in the industry," Waititi explained. He hopes increased production will reignite interest among young people who want to enter filmmaking.

The Ripple Effect

This purchase represents more than a real estate deal. It's about economic sovereignty and creative control for Indigenous artists who have historically told their stories through studios owned by others.

Curtis emphasized that the partnership brings more than star power. "Jason and Taika have achieved remarkable success on the global stage, bringing more than a billion dollars of production revenue into our economy," he noted.

The shared vision centers on authentic local storytelling. By creating an Indigenous-owned studio, they're building infrastructure that allows Polynesian communities to lead, shape, and share their narratives worldwide without filtering them through outside gatekeepers.

The timing couldn't be better for New Zealand's creative economy. As the film industry faces challenges, having major international stars invest in local infrastructure sends a powerful message about the country's potential as a filmmaking destination.

Meanwhile, Waititi continues celebrating Hunt for the Wilderpeople's 10th anniversary while preparing to direct James, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel adaptation executive produced by Steven Spielberg's company. The Indigenous filmmaker from New Zealand directing an American story about race shows how far representation has come.

A new chapter begins for Studio West, one written by the very people whose stories deserve the biggest stages.