Hollywood is heading back to the tropics as Hawaii experiences a significant surge in major film and television productions. Sony Pictures has officially greenlit Jumanji 3, with a theatrical release date set for December 11, 2026. The franchise, which stars Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, has historically relied on the lush landscapes of the islands to create its iconic jungle setting. This return marks a major win for local production crews and hospitality vendors across Oʺhu.

Netflix is also making a massive footprint on the islands with the action-comedy Protecting Jared. The film stars Honolulu native Jason Momoa alongside Andy Samberg and is currently filming on location in Oʺhu. Directed by Peter Atencio, the production is expected to provide a substantial boost to the local workforce. Governor Josh Green, M.D., has emphasized that the film industry is a critical pillar of the state's economy, contributing over $400 million in annual spending and supporting thousands of local jobs.

The current production wave follows other high-profile projects like Disney's live-action Lilo & Stitch and the Apple TV+ series Chief of War. According to reports from Hawaii News Now, the influx of work has kept the Hawaii Film Studio at Diamond Head and other local facilities at peak capacity. With competitive tax incentives and a growing infrastructure, the "Aloha State" is successfully positioning itself as the premier alternative to traditional studio hubs like Los Angeles and Atlanta.