Dwayne Johnson Announces 'Moana' Live-Action and Will Reprise Role of Maui
Already in early development at Disney.
Disney has officially confirmed a Moana live-action remake is in the works. Dwayne Johnson is set to return and reprise his role as Maui.
In a recent shareholders meeting on April 3, Disney revealed the news alongside a video announcement from The Rock. In a tweet accompanying the video, Johnson discusses how much the film and the setting mean to him and brings it back to his Polynesian heritage, “Humbled to say we’re bringing Moana’s beautiful story to the live-action big screen! Maui changed my life (miss you grandpa) and I’m honored to partner with Disney to tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people.”
The animated feature, which was released in 2016, was a major hit for Disney, making over $680 million USD at the box office. The film was produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Johnson will also be producing the upcoming live-action, which is already in the works. In a statement, Johnson said, “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.”
Watch his pre-recorded announcement above or below.
Humbled to say we’re bringing #MOANA’s beautiful story to the live action big screen!#MAUI changed my life (miss you grandpa) and I’m honored to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell our story thru the realm of music & dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people🪝 pic.twitter.com/CxJFKQewUS
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 3, 2023
In other entertainment news, here is the official trailer for Disney+’s Secret Invasion.
