Disney Making Live-Action ‘Moana’

While Johnson says he’ll return to co-star as Demi-God Maui, other details are still floating in the ocean for now.

Disney has for quite a few years now been dipping into its animated back catalogue, rooting around for titles that it can repurpose as live-action (with CG for the fantastical elements).

So perhaps we shouldn’t be too shocked that 2016’s ‘Moana’ would join that list, though given the increasing speed with which these conversion jobs are hitting cinemas, we won’t be surprised if the next animated movie from the team –– that would be ‘Wish’, due in theaters on November 22nd –– arrives a week after the announcement that a live-action take is on the way.

Moana

"The ocean is calling."

PG1 hr 47 minNov 14th, 2016

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Originally shown by Disney CEO Bob Iger on a shareholders webcast, the video announcement features Dwayne Johnson in Hawaii confirming the news: ‘Moana’ will make the journey to live-action. She knows the way.

Johnson is backing this one to the hilt with his usual passion (he’s also producing via his company, so expect a social media tidal wave in coming months), featuring his daughters in the video.

Dwayne Johnson announces live-action 'Moana.' Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios.

What’s the story of Moana?

He, of course, voiced demi-god Maui in the original film, which charted the story of a young woman (played by Auli‘i Cravalho) rebelling against the insular nature of her island community and embracing her destiny as an adventurer, helping to sort out a huge problem in the process.

With Johnson back playing Maui, we don’t yet know who will take over as Moana (since Cravalho is just a producer the new version.)

The other details are bobbing away in the ocean for now, but we do know that the original’s co-director Jared Bush is involved alongside Dana Ledoux Miller.

Walt Disney Studios Animation's 'Moana.'

What did The Rock say about the new Moana?

Johnson had this to say,

“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.”

Here’s what Cravalho said about the character and the new movie,

“She 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.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, comments,

“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.”

The live-action ‘Moana’ has no release date on the books yet, but the latest conversion from the company, ‘The Little Mermaid’, swims into theaters on May 26th.