Moana is one of Disney’s most beloved animated movies in recent years, and it was just a matter of time before the studio announced its live-action remake. That moment is finally here, and Dwayne Johnson will return as the shapeshifting demigod Maui, in addition to serving as executive producer.
Johnson announced the upcoming live-action adaptation by tuning in via a pre-recorded message from Hawaii during Disney’s recent annual shareholder meeting, confirming his return as Maui.
“I wear our culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me,” wrote the actor on Instagram.
Johnson will executive produce this project alongside Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original film. She said she’s looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way, after seeing the profound impact Moana had on how we think of Disney princesses.
The original Moana film came out in 2016, and it showed the journey of self-discovery and reflection of the strong-willed young woman who strikes a friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui. The film was a commercial success, with $645 million grossed worldwide, and it was nominated for two Oscars.
