Disney Picks Up Star-Studded Hawaii Crime Thriller Project

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Disney’s 20th Century Studios has acquired a Hawaii-set crime thriller featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, and Emily Blunt. The film, which is yet to be titled, will be helmed by acclaimed director Martin Scorsese.

The project, based on a script by journalist and author Nick Bilton, draws inspiration from real events in the 1960s and 1970s. It centers around a formidable mob boss who contends with rival syndicates and mainland corporations while striving to protect his ancestral land. The movie is described as echoing the themes found in Scorsese’s classics such as “Goodfellas” and “The Departed.”

The film’s narrative reflects a story of ambition and survival, showcasing a brutal struggle for power amid Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes. “This untold true story ignites a saga where the war for cultural survival takes place in the unlikeliest of places: paradise,” said a public synopsis released by the studio.

All three stars will also take on producing roles alongside Scorsese, who is part of the Sikelia Productions banner, Johnson through his Seven Bucks Productions, DiCaprio via Appian Way Productions, and Blunt with Ledbury Productions. Bilton is producing through True Story Productions.

The genesis of the project can be linked to the ‘ohana-like bond between Johnson and Blunt, with the original concept stemming from Blunt herself. Currently, Johnson is co-authoring a book with Bilton that further explores the themes of the film.

Executive producers include Dany Garcia from Seven Bucks Productions, Lisa Frechette from Sikelia Productions, and Rick Yorn and Chris Donnelly from LBI Entertainment.

Earlier this year, a first-look deal between Seven Bucks Productions and Disney was announced, aimed at developing films for both theatrical release and streaming platforms. This project is one of the initial offerings under this new partnership.

David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, along with Steve Asbell, president of 20th Century Studios, will oversee the film’s production. Greenbaum, who took charge of the divisions last year, aims to position 20th Century Studios as a leader in prestige filmmaking while establishing strong relationships with high-profile directors.

In the past year, the studio has greenlit several noteworthy projects including Ridley Scott’s feature “Dog Star” and a time-travel narrative titled “The Barrier,” spearheaded by Edward Berger and Austin Butler.

Scorsese most recently directed “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which starred DiCaprio, who has collaborated with the director on multiple projects. Both he and Scorsese are actively developing other films, including “The Devil in the White City.”

Upcoming projects for Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions include A24’s “The Smashing Machine” and Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Moana,” expected to premiere in 2026. Meanwhile, Ledbury Productions is in the process of developing “Walk the Blue Fields,” based on a short story by Claire Keegan.