The Rock Just Made a Huge Announcement About the Future of 'Moana'
Everything you need to know about the live-action remake.
A live-action reimagining of Disney's Moana is in the works. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who voiced the demigod Maui in the animated movie, revealed the news in a pre-recorded message, which was released during the Walt Disney Company’s shareholders' meeting on April 3.
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen," he said in a statement. "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."
He added, "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.”
The original film featuring music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina was released in 2016. The movie went on to receive Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Music (Original Song) for the hit tune "How Far I'll Go."
Before Moana returns to the water, here is everything we know so far about the live-action Moana movie...
When will the live-action Moana movie be released?
A release date for the feature film has not yet been announced. Johnson noted in his message on April 3 that “it’s still very early in the process” and “there’s so much more work to be done.”
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What can fans expect from the live-action Moana movie?
Like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana, the live-action film will "celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman eager to pave her own path," per Disney.
According to Johnson, Moana, Grandma Tala, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village and the music will all be in the forthcoming film, in addition to Heihei the chicken and, of course, Maui.
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Is there a trailer for the live-action Moana movie?
Fans will have to wait for the official trailer and any teasers. Until then, watch Johnson's message that was filmed on the island of O'ahu with his daughters, Tiana and Jasmine.
Who is in the live-action Moana cast?
While the cast for the live-action movie has not yet been revealed, Walt Disney Studios shared that Johnson "plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana." He is producing the film along with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, and with Beau Flynn via FlynnPictureCo.
Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated flick, is one of the film's executive producers. In a statement, Cravalho said, "I’m looking forward to sharing [Moana's] story in a whole new way.”
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