A live-action reimagining of Disney Animation’s 2016 smash hit “Moana” is in early development at Disney, with an announcement video being released as part of Disney’s annual shareholder meeting.
Actor Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the demigod Maui in the original film, pre-recorded a message from Hawaii announcing the project, which he will produce alongside his usual cohorts Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Beau Flynn.
Also producing are original “Moana” voice actor Auli’i Cravalho and Scott Sheldon. Original film screenwriter Jared Bush is also involved in some capacity, as is Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller.
Grossing nearly $644 million worldwide and landing two Oscar nominations back in November 2016, the original Moana followed a young Pacific Islander of the same name who sets out into the ocean with Maui to set things right after Maui accidentally let’s loose an ancient curse.
The live-action take 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.
The project marks the latest Disney animated title to get a live-action remake and will join the likes of the upcoming “The Little Mermaid”, opening May 26th this year.
