It’s official, Disney’s 2016 animated hit Moana is getting a live-action remake. Reports state, the project is in early development at Disney. Dwayne Johnson will produce the remake alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, as well as Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Original Moana voice actor Auli’i Cravalho and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. will join the project as executive producers.
The original Moana follows the story of a Polynesian legend of a young girl Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) on a mission to find the goddess Te Fiti. On her journey, she was accompanied by the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) helping in her mission to save her home.
The Special Announcement Came From Hawaii
Announcing the film in a video shot on the beach of Hawaii, the Black Adam star confirms the remake is in early development. In the video, he was seen with his two daughters.
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.”
Watch Dwayne Johnson’s Moana announcement in the following video.
In the video, Johnson also thanked his partners at Disney for the green light on the project and for bringing the tale of his community back to the screen.
“I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion, and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.”
Dwayne Johnson Coming Back as Maui
Johnson is one of the most successful stars in Hollywood. He has been a part of many successful movies including Moana. However, his recent DC role as Black Adam failed to make an impact on the audience. Following the Black Adam disaster, Johnson is all set to reprise the role of the demigod Maui in the live-action remake. There are no details as of yet, on whether the original cast members are returning to reprise their roles. But it would be worth seeing Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana in the live-action as well.
Earlier, Cravalho, who voiced the animated version of Moana, stated that the character is very close to her.
“Moana has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses. Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring — to audiences around the world, to me, and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.”
Also read: “Maui changed my life”: Dwayne Johnson Returns in $682M ‘Moana’ Live Action Remake
From the Original Moana to the Live-Action
Moana was an instant hit. Following its release, the movie grossed over $644 million worldwide and received two Oscar nominations along with numerous awards. As per reports, the original screenwriter Jared Bush who is also known for writing other successful Disney films like Encanto and Zootopia, and Dana Ledoux Miller, will also join the production.
Recently, Walt Disney Studios’ President of Motion Picture Production, Sean Bailey said that the production is still in its early stage.
“But the idea of working with these fantastic partners to tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling at Disney, is thrilling.”
As per reports, the Moana live-action is set to begin filming sometime in October 2023.
Source: Twitter
