Catherine Laga'aia in the live-action 'Moana.' Courtesy of Disney Another one of Disney‘s biggest animated movies is getting the live-action treatment as Moana comes to life. Star Dwayne Johnson took the stage to debut new footage of the film at the studio’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas on Thursday.
“I lived with this character of Maui for 10-plus years,” said Johnson, who reprises his role of demigod that he played in the 2016 animated original and 2024’s sequel. “The animated version was just an amazing experience for us as Polynesian people.” He added, “The character of Maui was deeply inspired by my grandfather.” The star went on to grab his phone to share a photo of his late grandfather, leading to applause from the crowd: “This is for you, High Chief.”
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In explaining why he wanted to bring a live-action version of the property to life, Johnson said, “There’s something special and important [when] you take animation into live-action. We’re able to showcase our Pacific island, real people, and it’s humbling and inspiring all at once.”
He expressed his pride in starring alongside newcomer Catherine Laga’aia in the title role: “All men of all ages, we should champion and support all women.”
When Laga’aia took the stage, the Australian actress gushed, “I grew up watching Moana with my family, so to be a part of her experience, I’m incredibly excited.”
The pair debuted a new trailer from the film, which includes a moment where the title character is told, “Moana, the ocean chose you.” The footage shows Moana meeting Maui, with the latter telling her, “Don’t worry, Maui always has time for fans.”
Later, he declares, “Let’s go save the world.”
Lagaʻaia takes on the titular role as the wayfinder Moana, while Johnson reprises his role as the trickster demigod Maui. The cast also includes John Tui as Moana’s father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as Moana’s mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana’s Gramma Tala.
Disney is calling the film a “reimagining” of the Oscar-nominated original, which was released in 2016 spawned an important franchise for the studio. The first movie made over $600 million at the worldwide box office, with the 2024 sequel surpassing $1 billion.
The live-action version is directed by Thomas Kail (Hamilton), with Johnson, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, Hiram Garcia and Lin-Manuel Miranda as producers. Kail is also an executive producer along with Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated Moana and its sequel.
Moana features original songs by Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina. It’s set to hit theaters July 10.
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