The reimagining of “Moana” as a live-action feature film is currently underway.
In a video released Monday by Walt Disney Studios, “Moana” star Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the character Maui in the 2016 film, said a live-action version of the film is in the works.
“As you know, Hawaii means so much to my family and me, and the traditions of the ohana, or ‘aiga’ as we say in Samoa, were shaped by these incredible islands,” Johnson says in the video recorded from her island Hawaiian. of Oahu, featuring his two daughters, Jasmine Johnson and Tia Giana Johnson. “The Pacific Islands and their cultures have inspired a very special story, a story you all know very well.
Johnson and his two daughters then announce the film together.
“Moana!” they say in unison.
“We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action adaptation of ‘Moana’ is in the works,” adds Johnson.
“Moana, Gramma Tala, the music, the dancing, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village, the beautiful mighty ocean and one more… what’s his name? Oh! Yours truly, Heihei the chicken,” she jokes. “Just kidding, Heihei will be in it, but of course Maui will be too.”
Disney shared the news in a press release, and Disney CEO Bob Iger also shared the announcement during the webcast of the Walt Disney Company Shareholders’ Meeting.
Walt Disney Studios
The upcoming project will be produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia through Seven Bucks Productions and Beau Flynn through Flynn Picture Co.
“Moana” star Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced the title character in the 2016 film, will executive produce.
“The film will celebrate the islands, communities and traditions of Pacific Islanders as seen through the eyes of a young woman looking to blaze her own path,” Disney’s press release states. “Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts around the world, as did her new friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.”
In a tweet on MondayJohnson said he was “humbled” to bring the story to the “live-action big screen.”
“#MAUI changed my life (I miss you grandpa) and I’m honored to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell our story through the realm of music and dance, which at the core is who we are as a Polynesian people” , He wrote.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and “Good Morning America.”
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