Dwayne Johnson, who voiced Maui in ‘Moana,’ revealed exciting news about Disney’s live-action remake of the animated film from 2016.
The actor posted on Instagram that filming for the live-action ‘Moana’ movie is set to begin in August, three months ahead of the animated sequel’s release on November 27. He wrote in the caption:
“Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our Live Action ‘MOANA’ Family. CATHERINE LAGA’AIA AS MOANA, JOHN TUI AS CHEIF TUI, FRANKIE ADAMS AS SINA, AND RENA OWEN AS GRAMMA TALA. And yours truly, as the demigod – MAUI. It’s our deepest honor to share the legends, songs, dances, and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world. Production begins this August.”
The live-action ‘Moana’ movie will be directed by Thomas Kail, known for directing ‘Hamilton.’ It’s written by Jared Bush, who worked on Disney hits like ‘Zootopia’ and ‘Moana.’ Johnson, in addition to acting, will produce the film with Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia.
The Lead Role Is Different Now
Auli’i Cravalho, the original ‘Moana’ voice, will be an executive producer, but won’t play the lead role in the live-action version. In an earlier interview, Cravalho explained why she chose not to play the live-action ‘Moana,’ saying:
“It feels really important to me to pass the baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, and I say that with my whole chest. I have been invited, and I exist in these beautiful AAPI spaces, Asian American Pacific Islander, and I am one of the few Pacific Islanders. And I’ll say it again, I am one of the few Pacific Islanders. And our stories are so important to be told.”
In June last year, Disney revealed that 17-year-old Catherine Laga’aia from Sydney, Australia will play Moana in the upcoming live-action remake. This will be her first major acting role, following her appearance in the 2023 series ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ alongside Sigourney Weaver.
You can see Johnson’s IG post below.
Photo Credit: Dwayne Johnson – Instagram
