Exciting Moana Live-Action Adaptation Is in the Works
Moana provides joy, excitement, and catchy songs for children worldwide. The animated comedy will soon get a live-action adaptation.
On April 3, Disney announced they are working on a live-action film adaptation of the hit movie Moana. The official announcement first came from a Disney shareholders meeting. Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, star of the original film, revealed this development. Furthermore, in this live-action film, Johnson will portray the character he voiced in the original movie, Maui the Demigod, and he is also a producer of this new film. In addition, Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced the titular character in the original film, is also a producer.
A live-action remake for ‘MOANA’ is in the works at Disney.
— Disney Animation Promos (@DisneyAPromos) April 3, 2023
(Source: @TheRock) pic.twitter.com/YWaFNfEpBV
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” Johnson exclaimed in his announcement, “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.”
Along with the original announcement, Johnson made an online video for Disney to reveal this project. The Pacific Islands and their cultures inspired a very special story,” Johnson stated in the video, “One that you all know very well. And that story is, drum roll, please, Moana. That’s right. We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works.”
JUST ANNOUNCED: From Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s Moana is in the works! pic.twitter.com/4rQXLSJ5Zn
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) April 3, 2023
Moana centers around the title character, a teenage girl who tries to save her island. Along with her rooster Heihei, she sails across the ocean against her parents’ wishes. Eventually, Moana ends up on a mysterious island. This is where she meets the demigod Maui, who is responsible for some of the problems on her land. Therefore, she tries to get him to help her with her mission of saving. Moana is trying to go to the island of Te Fiti, so she can help her family. However, there will certainly be a lot of obstacles. Along with some catchy and emotional musical numbers, this film told the importance of family and adventure.
Moana will apparently be our eighth live-action Disney Princess. pic.twitter.com/JZTLVR3YFH
— Disney Princess Facts (@DPrincess_Facts) April 3, 2023
Moana was a substantial financial success. It made almost 700 million dollars worldwide. The film was also critically successful. It has a score of 95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. On Metacritic, the film has a score of 81. These scores show universal acclaim. In addition, the film had two Oscar nominations. One was for Best Animated Film. The other was for Best Original Song. The song was “How Far I’ll Go,” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. These achievements demonstrate why this film is on the list of future live adaptations.
In the beginning, the live action remakes were 45 years apart from the original animated films. Then 30, then 20. Moana is 8 years apart. In 4 years, we’ll be seeing original & remake every other year. By 2030, animated original and live action remake will release simultaneously. https://t.co/ONEfF4xSdf pic.twitter.com/ywMdXyhWeL
— Pop Arena (@pop_arena) April 3, 2023
Disney has taken many of their animated films and made them live-action. Those include Cinderella, The Jungle Book, Maleficent, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and more. There are also many more adaptations in the works. These include The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and Lilo & Stitch. Moana is the least removed from its original. The animated film came out only seven years ago. Therefore, some people say this live-action adaptation is too soon, and the writers must ensure this film feels original.
Cheehoo!!! So excited that not only is #Moana LIVE-ACTION happening, but that this story, so close to my heart, will be brought to life by an absolute dream team, including dear friends at Disney Animation, my stunt double @therock, EP @auliicravalho – (now my boss!), members of… pic.twitter.com/Se1wdJk86h
— Jared Bush (@thejaredbush) April 3, 2023
There has been no word yet on who is directing this film. Jared Bush, who wrote the original film, is returning for this adaptation. This time, he will be teaming up with Dana Ledoux Miller. Furthermore, production companies backing this film include Johnson’s Seven Buck Productions, and Flynn Picture Co. Cravalho has signed on as an executive producer. However, she has not confirmed that she will be reprising her role of Moana. The live-action Moana seems still in its early stages, and the new film will not be out for a while. Whether or not people find this new version unique, a live-action Moana will bring in audiences.
While you wait for the new adaptation, check out the original Moana on Disney+.
