In the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the Disney movie, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will reprise his role as Maui, while Catherine Laga'aia has been cast as Moana.
- July 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - Disney's live-action adaptation of "Moana" is moving forward, with production slated to commence in August. The film will continue the studio's trend of adapting its animated classics into live-action, following the success of "Aladdin", "The Lion King" and "The Jungle Book".
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took to Instagram to share the exciting news, announcing that the cast is set and production begins this August. Johnson returns as the demigod Maui, a role he voiced in the 2016 animated film and the 2024 sequel "Moana 2".
The live-action cast also includes 17-year-old Sydney, Australia native Catherine Laga'aia as Moana, taking over from Auli'i Cravalho who voiced the character in the animated films. It also stars John Tui as Chief Tui, Moana’s father; Frankie Adams as Sina, her mother, and Rena Owen as Gramma Tala. The announcement photos even featured headshots of each actor side-by-side with their animated characters, adding a visual thrill to the exciting news.
Johnson emphasized the cultural significance of the project, stating, "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."
The live-action "Moana" will be directed by Hamilton's Thomas Kail, with a screenplay by original "Moana" writer Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. Johnson will produce alongside Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Beau Flynn and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who will write new music for the film.
