Aquaman star Jason Momoa is gearing up for his new project, a biopic on Hawaii’s surfing legend, Duke Kahanamoku. However, Momoa will not be seen in front of the camera this time and is set to produce the film. 

Momoa is joining hands with Peter Safran (who has produced the DC film Suicide Squad and the TV series Peacemaker) and Carlson Company’s Susan Miller Carlson and Eric Carlson for the project. The script is being penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright. The producers have described the film as an attempt to “explore this iconic and gentle man as the legendary swimmer, trailblazer and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing”.

Also Read| Aquaman 2: Ben Affleck confirmed to return as Batman

Kahanamoku is a legendary figure in the field of water sports. He is the winner of five Olympic medals in swimming, with his wins coming in the years 1912, 1920, and 1924. Surfing as a sport was popularized by Kahanamoku. Besides swimming, he had made appearances in a number of films over the years, including the 1955 Henry Fonda-James Cagney starrer, Miss Roberts. Kahanamoku was also Honolulu’s sheriff for 30 years.

In an interview where he spoke about the project with Variety, Safran said, “Duke’s story is one that has fascinated me for years”, adding, “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.” Eric Carlson has called Kahanamoku “one of America’s most overlooked heroes” and has also expressed his pride in being associated with the project. Details of the director or cast of the film have not been revealed yet.

Also Read| Sneak peek of ‘Aquaman 2’, ‘Black Adam’, and ‘Flash’ revealed by Warner Bros

Momoa will next be seen in the fantasy comedy film Slumberland, post which he will reprise his role as Stephen Curry or Aquaman for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. He was recently seen in a cameo appearance in Peacemaker.