Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise’ to film on Kauai this summer

LIHUE — Hollywood has put out a casting call for extras and specialty work in an action/adventure movie being filmed on Kauai this summer, and while the title is still under wraps all signs point to the movie being Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.”

Hawaii State Film Commissioner Donne Dawson confirmed the filming, set for summer 2018.

“I cannot give you a title because the name they’re using is Elixir,” Dawson said. “I can’t really tell you much except yes, they are filming on Kauai this summer. It’s a Disney feature film.”

An Elixir Feature Film production bulletin states filming will begin on May 7, 2018 for “Jungle Cruise.” Locations on the production bulletin are Hawaii, Atlanta, Georgia and South America.

The open and free casting call for paid extra and specialty work is set for Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort.

Teaming up with Crocus Productions, Elixir is seeking men and women of all types and all ethnicities, ages 17 to 90, with a few roles for minor children available as well.

Characters include fishermen and fisherwomen, dock workers restaurant workers, shop owners, craftsmen/women, basket weavers, international travelers and villager types, according to the casting call.

“Interesting faces wanted,” the call states. “All sizes and shapes. Bring your friends, family and a pen.”

Children 6-14 years old will be interviewed between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. only on March 31, and children should be “natural and fresh-faced — no makeup or formal wear.”

The casting call did not state when filming will happen on Kauai, nor did Elixir Films respond to questions from TGI before deadline about the move production and casting call.

Photos on social media, however, show Kapaia Reservoir heavy with activity and allegedly the set for “Jungle Cruise” is being built at the reservoir, which is situated above Wailua Falls.

On Twitter, one post shows a photo of the reservoir from the air with the caption: “Jungle Cruise set being built at Kapaia Reservoir…you can kinda make out some of the buildings, this looks like a pretty big set area. Filming begins in May.”

Disney and Elixir Films have both kept much of the storyline under wraps, but the film is based on the Disneyland theme park ride Jungle Cruise and stars Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock.

Emily Blunt has signed on to co-star with Johnson in the film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who is known for directing “House of Wax” in 2005, “Orphan” in 2009 and most recently “The Shallows” starring Blake Lively.

Rumors say Johnson plays a riverboat captain in the 1920s, taking a group of travelers through the jungle on the Amazon River in a film with flavors akin to Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Blunt allegedly is playing a scientist on board the riverboat, inspired by a mission — possibly for the Tree of Life — triggered by her brother’s death due to infectious disease.

Johnson compared the movie to the 1951 classic “The African Queen” in interviews.

The Jungle Cruise at Disney Parks celebrated its 60th year in 2015. Guests who visit the attraction board a replica tramp steamer from a 1930s British explorer’s lodge and take a 7-minute trip down major rivers in Asia, Africa and South America.

Native tribes are situated along the banks of the river alongside tigers, cobras, alligators, elephants and other animals while live Disney cast members crack jokes and some of that is expected to be reflected in the upcoming film.

Kauai County film commissioner Randy Francisco said he hasn’t heard anything about the movie.