Dwayne Johnson announced a live-action Moana film is in the works, and Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger confirmed the news during a shareholders webcast. If everything falls into place as anticipated, Dwayne Johnson will be reprising his role as Maui and Auli‘i Cravalho will be returning as Moana.
“We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works. Moana, Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village, the beautiful, powerful ocean…and one more… What’s that guy? Oh! Yours truly,” said Johnson in a two-minute video. Johnson also confirmed Heihei the chicken is returning.
“She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” stated Cravalho, speaking of her character in the animated film. “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.”
Moana was released in theaters on November 23, 2016 and grossed $643+ million worldwide during its theatrical run. The popular animated film earned two Academy Awards and two Critics Choice nominations. In addition, it earned six Annie nominations, winning in the Outstanding Achievement in Animated Effects in an Animated Production and Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production (Cravalho) categories.
Disney hasn’t released any details on when the film is expected to go into production.
“It’s still early, 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,” said Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action).
“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. 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,” said Johnson.
Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia will be producing through their Seven Bucks Productions banner. Beau Flynn is also producing via Flynn Picture Co, with Auli‘i Cravalho and Flynn Picture Co.’s Scott Sheldon executive producing.
Disney offered this brief description of the live-action film: “Like its animated predecessor, the 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. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.”
