Dwayne Johnson has shared a video announcing that Disney Studios is developing a live-action remake of the animated film Moana! I’m sure that no one is surprised by this news as this has been Disney’s business plan for some time.
The announcement came in the form of a pre-recorded message shot in Hawaii and it was shared during Disney’s latest earnings call with CEO Bob Iger.
Johnson, who voiced the demigod Maui in the original movie, will produce the remake. Johnson also be reprising his role of Maui in the movie. 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.
Johnson said in the video: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
Original Moana voice actor Auli’i Cravalhon is also a producer on the project and she said in a statement that the character of Moana “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.”
The story for the film follows an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. “During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.”
The original film’s screenwriter, Jared Bush, who also worked on Encanto and Zootopia, along with Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller will also be a part of the production, we just don’t know in what capacity.
Walt Disney Studios’ President of Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey said during the studio’s presentation that “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.”
Are you excited to hear that Moana is getting a live-action remake? Watch the video below!
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