Sure, “Black Adam” bombed at the box office. But that isn’t keeping Dwayne Johnson away from tentpole filmmaking anytime soon. Now, he’s reloaded and ready to bring “Moana” to life, again, but this time in live-action.
According to Disney and Johnson (who released a video talking about the project, seen below), the studio is in the early stages of bringing a live-action “Moana” to the big screen. And yes, as you might have gathered from Johnson’s promotion of the film and the announcement, the actor has joined the live-action film to reprise his role of Maui in the new adventure.
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of ‘Moana’ to the live-action big screen,” said Johnson. “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.”
He added, “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.”
Here’s how Disney describes the new film:
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.
Nothing else is really known about the new film. You have to assume Johnson is the only actor who will reprise a role in the new film. Actress Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced the title character in the 2016 film, is involved in the project as an executive producer, but clearly, she has aged out of the role. So, Disney is going to have to find someone new to fill those shoes.
Again, this is really early in the development process, so there isn’t even a release date or any filmmaker attached. However, it’s clear Johnson and Disney have high hopes for this live-action remake, as the previous remakes have done big business for the studio.
