“Marvel’s Inhumans” to be Filmed in Hawai‘i

The newest Marvel television series, “Marvel’s Inhumans” will be filmed in Hawai‘i, state officials and the City of County of Honolulu announced today.

The project is estimated to employ 150 local residents and utilize the services of dozens of local businesses.

“Marvel’s Inhumans” will be filmed in Honolulu. Photo Courtesy Screenrant

“We are thrilled that Disney/ABC and Marvel have made the decision to film in Hawai‘i, which will not only create jobs and contribute to our local economy, but showcase the need to expand our infrastructure in the creative and film sectors,” said DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria. “The filming of this unique and innovative television project here in Hawai‘i is the perfect complement to our overall growth strategy, which includes diversifying our economy by growing our creative sector.”

For the first time ever, a version of the first two episodes, produced in conjunction with ABC Studios and shot entirely with IMAX® cameras, will premiere exclusively in IMAX® theaters for two weeks beginning Sept. 1, 2017.

ABC will then premiere the weekly series in the Fall, with additional exclusive content that can only be seen on the network.

“With the unique landscape and backdrop, Hawai‘i is an ideal place to film this innovative series,” said Mary Ann Hughes, vice president of film and television production planning for Walt Disney Studios. “The location and incentives were key factors in our decision to bring this new series to the Aloha State.”

The production also required a large studio space which underscored the need for the State to expand stages to increase production opportunities.

With the Hawai‘i Film Studio being occupied with Hawai‘i 5-0, DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division facilitated a licensing agreement with Navy Region Hawai‘i and Navy Facilities Engineering Command to secure the former military warehouse facilities for the production of “Marvel’s Inhumans.” The space was transformed into a complete studio production lot in West O‘ahu.

The production hired locally based crew members, from camera to art departments, who have worked in entry-level positions on past productions, including ABC’s “Lost,” and now qualify to move up the ladder to a higher position.

“It is extremely gratifying to see these opportunities for Hawai‘i’s stellar professional crew base, as well as seeing the production open doors to new interns who want to hone their skills in the media industries,” said Georja Skinner, division chief for DBEDT’s Creative Industries Division, which oversees the Hawai‘i Film Office operations. “Marvel’s Inhumans” is a critical milestone in our media industry development, as it showcases the need for future infrastructure and workforce development to grow the industry statewide.”

Honolulu Film Commissioner Walea Constantinau is enthusiastic about what this means for the City and County of Honolulu. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Marvel universe and an integral part of such a groundbreaking show.  O‘ahu has been at the forefront of innovative television from being the first place to host a show being shot entirely on location, the original ‘Hawai‘i Five-0,’ and the home to a series credited with bringing drama back to television, ‘Lost.’ This new series takes it to another level and we are excited to be part of television history in the making. The immediate economic boost and long term film tourism impacts will greatly benefit our community.”

“Working in Hawai‘i is like no place else on Earth. The incredible locations, from the beaches to the city to historical landmarks like Diamond Head, our production has been treated to a visual feast. The people, the culture, the food, the weather — they all add to what makes “Marvel’s Inhumans” a unique storytelling experience. Aloha!” said Jeph Loeb, executive producer and head of Marvel Television.

The Inhumans are a race of superhumans with diverse and singularly unique powers. The characters were first introduced in Marvel Comics by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1965. Since then, they have grown in prominence and become some of the most popular and iconic characters in the Marvel Universe. “Marvel’s Inhumans” will explore the never-before-told epic adventure of Black Bolt and the royal family.

“Marvel’s Inhumans” is executive produced by Scott Buck (“Dexter,” “Marvel’s Iron Fist”) along with Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” “Marvel’s Luke Cage”) and Jim Chory (“Marvel’s Daredevil,” “Marvel’s Jessica Jones,” “Marvel’s Luke Cage”) with Buck serving as showrunner. Roel Reine (“The Delivery,” “Black Sails”) will direct the first two episodes.