Live-Action Moana Announcement

Dwayne Johnson revealed in message from Hawaii that a live-action reimagining of Disney Animation’s 2016 hit feature film “Moana” is in development.

The new feature film is produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co. Executive producers include Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 film, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller will also take part in the production. Bush, who was a director and co-writer of Disney’s Oscar®-winning feature “Encanto” and a writer and co-director on Disney’s Oscar®-winning film “Zootopia,” wrote the screenplay for 2016’s “Moana.”

Like its animated predecessor, the film 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. Moana’s journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui.

Johnson, who plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana, said, “I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. 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. I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.”

Native Hawaiian actor Cravalho, who helped shape Moana in the original film, said the beloved protagonist’s reach is sweeping. “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” she said. “Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action), said the film would join a successful lineup of live-action adaptations that include 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast,” 2019’s “Aladdin” and the highly anticipated live-action version of “The Little Mermaid,” opening May 26. “It’s still early, but the idea of working with these fantastic partners to tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling at Disney, is thrilling,”said Bailey.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana” debuted in theaters on Nov. 23, 2016, grossing nearly $644 million in global box office. The title, which debuted on Disney+ with the streamer’s 2019 launch, is among the top 15 movies streamed in the United States in 2022. The film’s soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’iand Mark Mancina, was lauded worldwide. Miranda won a GRAMMY® for best song written for visual media (“How Far I’ll Go”), and an Oscar® nomination for best achievement in music written for motion pictures – original song (“How Far I’ll Go”). In 2021, the “Moana” soundtrack broke a Billboard Soundtrack chart record for the amount of time spent at number one (52 weeks). Additionally, the film was nominated for an Academy Award (best animated feature film of the year), a BAFTA (best animated feature film) and a pair of Golden Globes® (best motion picture – animated and best original song (“How Far I’ll Go”).

[niallkenyon]

Proof, if it were ever needed, that it's never about what the audience wants, but what the studio wants the audience to want.

[tangroro]

In the future, Disney's gonna announce a new animated movie and its live action remake at the same time

[marc]

I’m convinced Dwayne Johnson wanted this more than Disney and everyone who loved the animated Moana combined

[SmumplytheFP]

At this point, Dreamworks is winning the battle again in terms of audience appraisal. Seriously, I'm not even surprised if they'll do a live action "remake" of Tangeled next year or so.

[Bubonic]

But why though? Not every animation movie needs a live action adaptation

[Vailskibum]

Every year that passes by, Hollywood's reputation sinks further

[beachfan]

Don't get me wrong, I love Moana. One of the best animated movies of the 2010s but it's way too early for a remake. Probably wait 20 more years.

[Midnightshdow]

Impossible challenge: Make something that isn't a live action remake

[rickster]

Moana was a good enough I love the animated version so much, I don't understand why a live action version is being made. It still feels fresh.

[theantitroll]

For anyone wondering, the like to dislike ratio is 17K to 60K

[chasehedges]

I loved Moana, one of the best Disney films of 2016. However, I don’t know if I want a remake.

[Anthonycheesman]

I feel like you gotta wait at least 20 years to do a live action remake or a remake in general .

[raesarchives]

Crazy how this has already got a live action in the works yet movies like Princess & Frog still have not been considered

[isaacmapes]

Wait, so we’re getting the animated sequel this year and next year, we’re getting the remake?

[badlatinfilms]

The animated Moana is truly special and unique In every sense of the word. This is just truly unnecessary and truly sad the state Disney is in. Do not support these live actions so they can wake up. And show studios what we want to see, not what they want us to see.

[Dani_]

As much as I love Moana, I believe it's too early for a remake.
EDIT: WOW! never knew this comment would get a lot of likes 😲

[ydcddvk]

It's unbelievable! This film was released almost 7 years ago in late 2016 and there is no need of creating a live action film, because it's already wonderful. Also, a sequel series is going to be released on Disney+ and i think this is enough.

[aadengarcia]

It hasn’t even been like 10 years since it originally released😂

[thatskykid]

As a Disney fan, in my opinion, I appreciate old Disney movies more than now because years after Walt Disney died, I noticed Disney lost its magic and focused on having money. Mostly by making these live actions.😢

[billgaytes]

The animated version has this magical charm to it, just like every OTHER Disney animated film. There’s just NO way you’ll be able to recreate that magical feeling.


After seeing what they did to Sebastian in the live-action Little Mermaid, I’m too scared to imagine what they’ll do with Tamatoua…