Jason Momoa, star of “Aquaman”, will be producing a documentary about Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku. The five-time Olympic medalist is said to have helped popularize the sport.
“Duke’s story is one that has fascinated me for years,” Safran said to Variety. “To now have the opportunity to tell it with the respect that it deserves, in collaboration with Jason, Chris and the Carlsons, is truly a gift.”
Kahanamoku participated in four different Olympic Games and also broke records as a swimmer. After retiring from athletics Kahanamoku ran gas stations in Hawaii and served as sheriff of Honolulu for three decades. He died at the age of 77 from a heart attack in January 1968.
A previous PBS documentary titled “Waterman — Duke: Ambassador of Aloha” was made about Kahanamoku. Momoa narrated it and was released in May.
Although untitled, producers told Variety the documentary will “explore this iconic and gentle man as the legendary swimmer, trailblazer and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing. Duke lived a life of compassion and inclusion as he embraced the true meaning of ‘Aloha.’”
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Alongside Momoa producers Peter Safran, Susan Miller Carlson and Eric Carlson of Carlson Company will help create the biopic. Chris Kekaniokalani Bright will be writing the screenplay.
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