A ‘Hawaii Five-O’ Movie Is Taking Shape at Paramount

Hawaii Five-O is being developed for the big screen, with Paramount Pictures building a new feature around the long-running police franchise. Destin Daniel Cretton is attached to direct the project, while Chris Bremner and Noah Oppenheim are writing the screenplay.

The Hollywood Reporter says the package remains in its early stages, so there is no announced cast, production date or release window. Variety likewise reports that plot details have not been disclosed. For now, the firm development is the creative team rather than a finished movie ready to begin filming.

A television institution moves toward theaters

The original Hawaii Five-O premiered on CBS in 1968 and ran for 12 seasons, with Jack Lord playing Detective Captain Steve McGarrett. The series became closely associated with McGarrett’s “Book ’em, Danno” instruction and established a durable template for a Hawaii-set police procedural.

CBS revived the property in 2010 as Hawaii Five-0, starring Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett and Scott Caan as Danny Williams. Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park were also part of the original reboot ensemble. That version lasted 10 seasons, demonstrating that the title could connect with a new generation decades after the first show ended.

Destin Daniel Cretton adds another franchise project

Cretton brings major-studio experience to the proposed film after directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He is also attached to direct Lionsgate’s live-action Naruto adaptation. His involvement suggests Paramount is treating Hawaii Five-O as a substantial theatrical package, even though the studio has not yet detailed its scale.

The Hollywood Reporter identifies Guymon Casady as producer and says he spearheaded the project with the estate of original series creator Leonard Freeman. Previous attempts to mount a movie reportedly stalled amid rights issues, making the estate’s participation especially relevant to this version.

The biggest unanswered question is how closely the film will follow either television continuity. With no casting or story information announced, it is too early to know whether familiar characters will be reimagined, whether the movie will connect to the 2010 reboot, or when audiences might see it. What is clear is that Paramount now has a director, writers and producing framework in place for another return to the islands.