A new travel series brings Hollywood stars on a worldwide search for joy. A Road Map to Happiness will debut its first look at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The show features actors including Jason Momoa, Shailene Woodley, Elijah Wood, and Alec Baldwin exploring different cultures to find what makes people happy.
The project is an independent docuseries led by author and presenter Darin Olien. Olien is known for his work on the Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron. In this new series, he travels with the actors to various global locations. Their goal is to meet some of the world’s happiest people and learn their secrets.
Producers will screen a special seven-minute preview at the festival. This preview is meant to attract buyers who might bring the full series to a streaming platform or network. The screening is scheduled for January 24 at the World of Hyatt space on Main Street in Park City, Utah.
The Show’s Mission and Star-Studded Journey
The core idea of A Road Map to Happiness is a global investigation into contentment. Darin Olien and his famous guests will visit communities in far-flung corners of the world. They aim to discover and share diverse cultural approaches to living a good life.
Olien shared his personal reason for starting the project. He said his world travels often focused on solving big problems. On this journey, he found that the pursuit of happiness itself was a powerful answer.
โI have traveled the world looking for solutions to so many of the issues we face today, and I found the search โ and finding โ happiness in our varied locations was the only solution needed,โ said Darin Olien.
The participating actors have connected with the show’s positive message. Jason Momoa highlighted the link between people’s well-being and the health of the planet. He described the journey as a way to explore what truly connects and sustains humanity.
Shailene Woodley expressed how deeply the experience affected her. She believes the project’s genuine emotion will connect with audiences everywhere.
Confirmed Cast and Production Team for the Series
The series boasts a notable list of Hollywood talent confirmed to appear.
- Jason Momoa: Known for Aquaman and Dune.
- Shailene Woodley: Star of The Fault in Our Stars and Big Little Lies.
- Elijah Wood: Famous for The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- Alec Baldwin: Recognized for 30 Rock and numerous films.
The show’s host and guiding force is Darin Olien. He brings experience from his previous travel and wellness series. The production team includes several people who worked with Olien on Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
Producers on the project are:
- Darin Olien
- Cary Floyd (Remember the Alamo Concert)
- Griffin Gmelich (Down to Earth with Zac Efron)
- Heather White Rezner
- Cinematographer Nick Higgins
The series is currently in production. Several episodes are already filmed and are being edited. The producers have indicated that more actor participants will be announced later.
Sundance Festival Preview and Series Goals
The Sundance Film Festival is a major launchpad for independent films and series. For A Road Map to Happiness, the festival is a key opportunity. The team will present a sizzle reel to distributors, sales agents, and potential partners.
This preview event is a common industry practice. It allows creators to showcase their vision and generate excitement before a full series is completed. The goal is to secure a deal for global distribution.
The festival’s 2026 edition is set against a backdrop of change in independent media. Other festival events, like the “Solidarity House,” are focusing on building new support systems for creators. This environment makes Sundance a fitting place to introduce an independent project with a global, humanistic message.
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What the Stars Say About Their Experience
The actors involved have not just lent their names to the project. They have shared heartfelt reflections on what the journey meant to them personally.
Jason Momoa connected the show’s theme to his own passions. His statement emphasizes a holistic view of happiness that includes environmental care.
โPeople and the planet are at the heart of everything I do. Getting to go on this journey with Darin, a friend and warrior for the Earth, makes it even more special. Weโre exploring what connects us, what sustains us, and why protecting it matters,โ said Jason Momoa.
Shailene Woodley focused on the emotional impact and the simple, universal power of laughter she encountered during filming.
โI know a lot of lives and hearts will be touched by this project, simply by how much mine was โ and it was laughter that renewed my faith in humanity,โ added Shailene Woodley.
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