Dwayne Johnson announced on Monday that a live-action reimagining of Disney Animation’s hit film Moana is in early development at Disney. Johnson, who voiced demigod Maui in the original movie, will produce the live-action adaptation alongside Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia of Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush, the screenwriter of the original Moana and Disney films Encanto and Zootopia, and Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller will also be involved in the production.
The live-action Moana joins a roster of Disney animated titles that have received live-action adaptations, including 2019’s Aladdin and 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, as well as the upcoming Little Mermaid, set to open on May 26.
The original Moana, released in November 2016, follows a young Pacific Islander of the same name who sets out into the ocean with Maui to set things right after he accidentally lets loose an ancient curse. The live-action adaptation 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 expressed his gratitude to bring the story of Moana to the live-action big screen, saying that this story is emblematic of his culture and of his people’s grace and warrior strength. Auli’i Cravalho, the original voice actor for Moana, said in a statement that the character has had a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses and that she is looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.
The news of the live-action Moana comes as part of Disney’s annual shareholder meeting, led by CEO Bob Iger. Sean Bailey, Walt Disney Studios’ President of Motion Picture Production, noted that it is still early in the production, but the idea of telling such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas with fantastic partners is thrilling.
