Dwayne Johnson announces live-action ‘Moana’
Dwayne Johnson announced the live-action remake at Disney’s shareholders meeting.
Family-favorite Disney movie ‘Moana’ will be returning to the big screen. At a recent shareholders meeting with Disney, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson announced that he will be pioneering a live-action remake of the animated film.
The original movie was released in 2016 and instantly became a hit amongst all ages, earning a whopping $665 million worldwide. This live-action announcement comes after the much-anticipated ‘Moana’ Disney+ series was postponed until 2024.
Johnson intends on returning as his character Maui, the demigod of the wind and sea. There is currently no director signed onto the project, but Johnson will be one of two producers.
Beau Flynn, of Flynn Picture Co., will also be credited as a producer on the project, and Jared Bush is set to take control of the live-action screenwriting. Bush wrote the original ‘Moana’ screenplay and directed the Oscar-winning animated film ‘Encanto’.
Auli’i Cravalho, the voice actor for Moana in the original animated film, will also be an executive producer for the live-action remake.
Dwayne Johnson speaks out on why ‘Moana’ is important to him
Johnson is very vocal about his love for the animated movie. The actor recently spoke out about why partnering with Disney to create the live-action remake is so meaningful to him.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” said Johnson in a video message released by Walt Disney Studios.
“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.”
In his video message, the actor is standing on a beach in Hawai’i with his daughters. He also thanks the Disney Animation teams.
Fans react to ‘Moana’ live remake announcement
Fans of the original ‘Moana’ film express their thoughts on the new upcoming release. Only released 7 years ago, many people thought it was too early to adapt the animated movie into a live-action.
okay this is where someone must intervene… moana not even 10 years old https://t.co/tYK9nOBXuy
— ✰ (@photonsmight) April 3, 2023
Moana is a great movie, and I LOVE Dwane as Maui and I'm glad that Auliʻi Cravalho is reprising her role as Moana as well...
— HMK 🔜 WeebCon 2023 (@HMKilla) April 3, 2023
But I mean the movie ain't even 10 years old and I feel a Sequel would've worked WAY better...This is just...odd https://t.co/wgMgk9MoiF
Still, others are looking forward to the live-action version of their favorite Disney film.
This is awesome Dwayne. My daughter is going to love this!
— Darius (@KingDarius_89) April 3, 2023
If Auli’i Cravalho is on my screen, I’m seated. Especially as Moana. https://t.co/HJ5sJ4sZNc
— this barbie hosts ✨The Afternoon Special✨ (@hiimbobbi) April 3, 2023