Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Hawai‘i’s creative economy is seeing a welcome uptick in film and TV productions with a vibrant slate of projects taking shape in the islands. Productions include Season 2 of Netflix’s “UNTAMED,” starring Eric Bana — now shifting its thrilling storyline to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; Sony’s “Jumanji 3,” filmed on O‘ahu and starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and Karen Gillan, and the Netflix feature “Protecting Jared,” starring Jason Momoa and Andy Samberg, also shot on O‘ahu.

“Keeping Hawai‘i primed for production to meet and continually attract these opportunities is essential to our creative economy and workforce and for generating the positive impacts across other key sectors,” said Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) Director James Kunane Tokioka.

From right to left: DBEDT Director James Tokioka, actor Eric Bana, Governor Green and Showrunner and Executive Producer Elle Smith.

Each production brings an exciting lift to Hawai‘i’s creative industry. Film and TV projects fuel opportunities for local talent, crew members and production vendors, while also driving increased business for small companies statewide. The resulting ripple effects strengthens communities, supports livelihoods and reinforces Hawai‘i’s reputation as a world-class filming destination.

“The combination of these productions and others launching this year is restoring a vibrant anchor of our creative economy in the state,” said Georja Skinner, chief officer at DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division. This momentum continues to build confidence among studios looking to base their projects in Hawai‘i and reinforces long-term investment in the industry. The state continues to expand pathways for Hawai‘i creatives to bring their stories and original intellectual property to global markets, growing opportunities for homegrown talent.