Maui & Elvis: A Cross-Cultural Sci-Fi Comedy Adventure

Introducing 'Maui & Elvis'

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, one of the most promising collaborations in recent memory is the partnership between New Zealand's Whakaata Māori and Canada's APTN. Together, they have announced an ambitious new co-production titled Māui & Elvis, a sci-fi comedy adventure series designed for children and families.

"At its heart, 'Māui & Elvis' is a story that celebrates the power of friendship, culture and found family through our shared values and sense of humor," said Camille Beaudoin, co-producer of the Métis/Cree series.

The series will draw from both Māori and Métis/Cree communities, weaving together cultural threads into a vibrant narrative. It follows two best friends—Māui from Aotearoa New Zealand and Elvis from Canada—as they embark on an interdimensional journey to save Māui's grandmother after an alien threatens to take control of her body.

Setting the Stage

The series is set primarily in New Zealand's South Island, with additional scenes shot in Vancouver. Notably, it incorporates the scenic landscapes and cultural phenomena like Kaikōura Lights, offering viewers a unique backdrop for this fantastical tale.

"We want our tamariki [children] to see themselves, hear their language and see their culture reflected in bold, imaginative and world-class storytelling," said Maria Barlow, director of content and audience engagement at Whakaata Māori.

With at least 30% of the dialogue in te reo Māori—the Māori language—the series aims to create a rich, immersive experience that honors Indigenous traditions while entertaining global audiences.

Cultural Significance

This initiative represents more than just another television project; it is a testament to the growing recognition of Indigenous voices in media. The show's creators have made it a priority to incorporate tikanga Māori, or Māori cultural values and practices, into every aspect of the storytelling process.

"What makes 'Māui & Elvis' so exciting is that it never asks young audiences to choose between entertainment and culture," said Mike Omelus, executive director of content and programming strategy at APTN.

The production team views this as an opportunity to create content that speaks to Indigenous identity without sacrificing accessibility or appeal. It serves as a bridge between traditional storytelling methods and modern visual media.

Collaboration in Action

The partnership between Whakaata Māori and APTN is not only significant for its creative output but also for the collaborative spirit it embodies. Both organizations are members of the World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN), founded in 2008 to facilitate collaboration among Indigenous broadcasters worldwide.

"'Māui & Elvis' shows what that can look like in practice – Māori and Métis/Cree storytellers, producers and broadcasters bringing our languages, cultures and creativity together to create something for our children and families," said Shane Taurima, chair of WIBN and chief executive of Whakaata Māori.

This project moves beyond simple content exchange into a full-fledged collaboration that benefits both nations. The initiative is backed by Screen Canterbury, the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Whakaata Māori, Telefilm Canada, Canadian Heritage, Creative BC, the Canadian Media Producers Association, the Canada Media Fund, the Indigenous Screen Office and APTN.

Production Details

The series is being produced by Whitebait Media in New Zealand and Mosaic Entertainment in Canada. Lead producers Janine Morrell-Gunn (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Camille Beaudoin first connected at the 2024 WIFT NZ/Canada Co-Production Summit.

"We are extremely grateful for the commitment from our broadcasters Whakaata Māori and APTN," said Morrell-Gunn. "This partnership allows us to celebrate Māori and Métis lands, storytelling, humor and culture, and build a bridge between Indigenous storytellers, content makers, broadcasters and audiences across Aotearoa and Indigenous Canada."

Casting is underway in both countries, with production scheduled to begin in November 2026. The series is expected to premiere in 2027.

Why It Matters

With increasing demand for culturally diverse and inclusive programming, 'Māui & Elvis' stands out as a beacon of innovation and representation. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to showcase Indigenous storytelling on a global scale, while ensuring that authentic voices lead the narrative.

The series embodies the values of community, resilience, and creativity that define both Māori and Métis/Cree cultures. It demonstrates how shared experiences can create powerful stories that resonate across continents and generations.

Looking Ahead

As the world watches the emergence of new voices in global entertainment, projects like 'Māui & Elvis' offer hope for a more inclusive and representative future. This partnership sets a precedent for how Indigenous communities can collaborate to tell their stories, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

In an industry often criticized for tokenism and stereotyping, 'Māui & Elvis' represents a model of genuine collaboration and cultural integrity. As we move forward, it's essential that such initiatives continue to grow, supported by audiences who value diversity and authenticity in storytelling.