Earlier this year, Disney’s CEO, Bob Iger, announced they would be making a new live-action version of the classic animated film, “Moana”, with a special video featuring Dwayne Johnson.

The new film is produced by Dwayne 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, and Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller (who is of Samoan heritage) will also take part in the production. Bush, who was a director and co-writer of Disney’s Oscar-winning film Encanto and a writer and co-director on Disney’s Oscar-winning Zootopia, wrote the screenplay for “Moana” (2016).

As like its animated predecessor—which grossed nearly $644 million at the global box office and was among the Top 15 movies streamed in the U.S. in 2022—the live-action reimagining of “Moana” 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.

Recently, Auli‘i Cravalho, who played Moana in the original film, confirmed on social media, that she will not be reprising her role in the upcoming live-action version.

“When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I’m truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that helped inspire her story, and I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come. Mahalo.”

“Moana” became a global phenomenon upon its release in 2016. Its soundtrack, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’I, and Mark Mancina, was critically acclaimed—with Miranda winning a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media and receiving Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, all for “How Far I’ll Go.” In 2021, “Moana” broke a Billboard Soundtrack chart record for the amount of time spent at No. 1 (52 weeks). Additionally, “Moana” was nominated for an Academy Award (Best Animated Feature Film), a BAFTA (Best Animated Feature Film), and a Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Animated).

Are you looking forward to a new live-action version of “Moana”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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