New Live-Action Moana Movie Announced By The Rock

A new live-action Moana movie has just been announced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who will reprise his role as the demi-god Maui. As it is still in the early stages of development, the production has yet to announce the live-action cast.

The Moana animated feature premiered in 2016, showcasing an original plot, but inspired by Polynesian mythology. It told a story of ancient tribes of Polynesia, their way of living and especially about Princess Moana, daughter of a chief of a coastal village. Growing up she knew what she needs to do for her people, yet somehow she felt there was something else that is in store for her.

Moana was then chosen to bring her mystical amulet to be reunited with the goddess Te Fiti. She sought the help of the demigod Maui through her quest. Adventures ensue, and she faced one of the most powerful goddesses of all.

Achieving her goal, Moana was able to bring new ways of the world home to her people and lead them through a time of peace and abundance.

The original movie introduced Auliʻi Cravalho lending her voice to Moana. Apart from Johnson, the rest of the cast included Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk.

Moana was the 56th Disney animated feature film. John Musker and Ron Clements took the helm with co-director Chris Williams and Don Hall. Jared Bush wrote the screenplay produced by Osnat Shurer from a story by the directors, co-directors with Pamela Ribon, and the writing team of Aaron and Jordan Kandell.

The Rock Just Announced A New Live-Action Moana Movie In Coming

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The Rock posted the announcement on Facebook that he was with his daughters in Hawai’i on the beautiful island of O’ahu. Citing that the Pacific Islands and their cultures inspired a beautiful story the world has come to know, his daughters excitedly finished his intro, declaring it to be “Moana!”. The Rock proceeded:

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’s… oh, yours truly Heihei the chicken! Kidding! Heihei’s gonna be in it but of course, Maui will be in it too.

Talking about his time as Maui back during the production of the original animated movie, he shared:

As many of you may not know, the brilliant team at Disney animation, my partners, we found so much inspiration for Maui in the man and the presence of my late grandfather, the legendary High Chief, Peter Maivia. He would walk in, light up the room, the energy, the tattoo, the hair, the bod… When you’re staring at a demigod!

Admitting to getting carried away with the line, he further paid tribute to his grandfather. The Rock said:

…When I bring Maui to life, I’m doing it in the spirit of my grandfather.

Credit: Disney

Production is still in the early stages as the live-action Moana movie will soon take shape.

It’s still very early in the process. There’s so much work to be done. But until then, there is one more thing that I need to kick this journey off right.

The Rock’s daughters helped him get Maui’s Fish Hook highly proportionate to be the live-action  Moana movie version of the magical weapon. If anything, the magical fish hook already promises an incredible scene as the video zoomed out, displaying the grand island.

The Rock Shares Disney Is Making A Live-Action Moana Movie

Credit: Disney

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Needless to say, Disney has done many live-action remakes of their popular classics. While there are those that quite welcomed, others gave the feeling of perfunctory projects—something they just had to do to update the movie. Reception of the video based on the comments online is split.

There are those who say that Moana is still fresh for a remake or even a reimagined version. Some are asking what kind of reimagination would happen in the first place.

Still, there are people who are excited about the announcement of the new live-action Moana movie—especially those who have considerable interest in the inspiration mythology. Many are excited to see the live-action version of the goddesses.

Personally, I wonder how they will present the part where they procured Maui’s Fish Hook. Will they still use Tamatoa? And how are they going to ‘reimagine’ Heihei?

On a side note, Disney is currently building an outdoor attraction in EPCOT at the Walt Disney World Resort. The new addition to the theme park called Journey of Water is inspired by Moana. The aim is to have this attraction open in late 2023; it could add to the building hype for the live-action Moana movie.

Do you think it is time for a reimagined live-action Moana movie where The Rock is the demigod Maui? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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