Dwayne Johnson announces live-action ‘Moana’

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.

Still, others are looking forward to the live-action version of their favorite Disney film.