Disney CEO, Bob Iger, announced on Monday during an investor call that a live-action remake of “Moana” is currently in development, making it the latest Walt Disney Co. animation to receive the same treatment as some of its predecessors. While no director has been announced yet, Dwayne Johnson has already confirmed his return as the demigod Maui.
“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” said Johnson. “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.”
With powerful songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a plot derived from Polynesian myths, “Moana” became a huge box-office success for Disney, grossing $643.3 million worldwide during its initial release in 2016. Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced the character of Moana in the original, has been confirmed as an executive producer on the live-action version.