Disney Hit Moana to Get Live-Action Remake

Stars highlight film's cultural resonance
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 4, 2023 5:28 PM CDT
Disney Hit Moana to Get Live-Action Remake
Actors Dwayne Johnson, left, and Auli'i Cravalho appear at the "Moana" world premiere in Los Angeles in 2016.   (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

Disney plans to remake Moana, but this version won't be animated. The company said Monday it's developing a live-action version of the 2016 hit, reports NPR. The story is based on Pacific Islander cultures, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who was in the first film, will appear in the new version and be a producer. His mother is Samoan, and he said his inspiration for the character Maui was his grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. "This story is my culture," Johnson said, "and this story is emblematic of our people's grace and warrior strength."

Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Moana the first time around, said the film altered the image of Disney princesses. Cravalho, who is Hawaiian, will be an executive producer. "Moana's strength and perseverance are inspiring," she said, adding, "I'm looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way." Disney has similarly converted Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Mermaid, which opens in May, per Deadline. (More Disney stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X