Hollywood actor Jason Momoa is spending his production downtime supporting local establishments across Oklahoma City while on location filming the upcoming crime thriller Copperhead. During breaks from the set this week, Momoa and his family visited the First Americans Museum on Thursday, October 22, alongside unannounced stops at neighborhood restaurants and a local record store. The production, which began shooting in the city in September 2026 and runs through November 6, has brought both A-list talent and a projected $33.5 million community economic impact to the metro area.

Cultural Visits and Unscripted Local Stops

On Friday, the First Americans Museum announced on social media that Momoa and his family toured the facility the previous day, according to News9.com. During the Thursday outing, the actor visited the museum's exhibitions, dined at its Thirty Nine Restaurant, and browsed the FAMstore.

"We were so happy to host Indigenous baddie Jason Momoa and his ohana at FAM, 39 Restaurant, and FAMstore yesterday!" the museum wrote in its public post. Staff noted that it is an honor to share the distinct, living cultures and histories of Oklahoma's 39 tribal nations with visitors walking through their doors.

Beyond the museum, Momoa has kept a low-key profile while patronizing smaller Oklahoma City businesses, according to KOCO. Earlier in the week, Momoa stopped by Whiskey Chicks, where owner Johnny Butler was alerted by a bartender that the Aquaman star was sitting at the bar eating chips and salsa. After verifying the sighting on his security cameras, Butler chose not to interrupt the actor, explaining that he was simply grateful for the business and wanted Momoa to enjoy his downtime.

Across town at Sun Cattle Co., diners Tim and Erica Higgins were reading about Momoa's local appearances during lunch when the actor walked through the door. Their son recognized Momoa from A Minecraft Movie, prompting the star to pause his meal and take a photograph with the boy. Erica Higgins noted how refreshing it was to see a major film star casually dining at an accessible, everyday restaurant rather than sticking exclusively to high-end venues.

Momoa also browsed the shelves at Trolley Stop Record Shop while the production crew filmed across the street at a former tire and mechanic shop serving as a fictional drug kingpin headquarters. Record shop owner John Dunning told KOCO that roughly 100 crew members were working outside, and when Momoa's group came into the store, they were reserved, friendly, and clearly enjoying themselves. Additional community observations compiled by The Oklahoman indicate residents have spotted the actor around nearby Edmond and Mustang as well.

Inside the 'Copperhead' Production

The local sightings are anchored by Copperhead, the latest Oklahoma-shot project from Tulsa native and director John Swab, who previously helmed crime dramas including Body Brokers, Little Dixie, and One Day as a Lion. According to Yahoo Entertainment, the screenplay by Chad Feehan and J. Todd Scott centers on a veteran detective who partners with a young federal agent to investigate a wide-reaching conspiracy after an undercover drug transaction turns violent in West Texas.

Alongside Momoa, the ensemble cast features Miles Teller, Tenoch Huerta, Adria Arjona, and Kiefer Sutherland. Production began at various Oklahoma City locations in September 2026 and is scheduled to remain in the state through November 6, according to the Oklahoma Film + Music Office filming slate cited by The Oklahoman.

Downtown filming recently required temporary street closures along portions of Robert S. Kerr and North Broadway avenues. While written coverage from The Oklahoman identified the downtown shoot as taking place on October 21, accompanying photo gallery captions dated the set activity to October 20. During the downtown scenes, crowds gathered across the street to watch Momoa, who smiled and appeared comfortable with the public attention.

Economic Impact and Oklahoma's Film Boom

While celebrity encounters generate immediate social media buzz, industry disclosures highlight substantial financial returns for the host city. According to estimates from the Oklahoma City Economic Development Foundation reported by The Oklahoman, Copperhead carries an estimated production budget of $39.7 million and has pre-qualified for the state film incentive program. The shoot is projected to generate $13.7 million in direct local expenditures and an estimated $33.5 million in overall community economic impact.

For local film workers, the influx of major studio and independent projects provides steady employment and career advancement. Background actor Alexandria Yolie noted that hosting high-profile productions allows independent filmmakers and local crew members to gain experience on professional sets while demonstrating the state's work ethic to visiting executives.

Copperhead is one of several major productions operating in the state following the earlier departure of Paramount+'s Tulsa King. Other active or recent projects across Oklahoma include:

  • His Heart: Directed by Sean McNamara in Oklahoma City, starring Esai Morales, Kelsey Grammer, Jayne Wisener, Jonathan Stoddard, Kevin Sorbo, and Michael Weston.
  • Pipe Cleaner Boy: A road trip comedy directed by Anna Rose Moore featuring Abigail Breslin, Yasmin Kassim, and Booboo Stewart.
  • To Make the World Quiet: A psychological thriller filmed in the Oklahoma City metro by local director Laron Chapman.
  • Mazel Tough: A romantic comedy currently shooting in Tulsa with Alex Rich, Colin Ford, Adam Shapiro, Michael Vlamis, Sofia Masson, and Jonathan Lipnicki.
  • The Lowdown: FX's Tulsa-based series directed by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke, which wrapped its second season in mid-July.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can locals get cast as extras in 'Copperhead'?

Production continues to utilize local talent through regional casting agencies. Most recently, Freihofer Casting issued a call seeking two Indigenous men to portray tribal police officers for filming scheduled on October 26 and October 27 in Oklahoma City.

How long will Jason Momoa and the 'Copperhead' crew be in Oklahoma?

According to the Oklahoma Film + Music Office filming slate, Copperhead began principal photography in September 2026 and is scheduled to wrap its Oklahoma production on November 6, 2026.

Which Oklahoma City businesses has Jason Momoa visited so far?

Confirmed stops by Momoa include the First Americans Museum (along with its Thirty Nine Restaurant and FAMstore), Whiskey Chicks, Sun Cattle Co., and Trolley Stop Record Shop.

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