Disney gave us one of their most beloved animated movies in recent years with Moana—and there’s more on the way. Dwayne Johnson announced that Disney is plotting a live-action adaptation of this movie and he’s planning to return in the role of Maui.
The Moana live-action remake was announced during Disney’s annual shareholder meeting led by CEO Bob Iger. Dwayne Johnson tuned in via a sweet pre-recorded message from the island of O’ahu, featuring his two young daughters, and announced the next chapter in Moana’s story.
“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen. This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” said Johnson in a statement.
Johnson will executive produce the project, and he’s returning in the role of a legendary shapeshifting demigod Maui. Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated version, will also serve as an executive producer. Jared Bush, who wrote the script of the original movie, will also return for the live-action adaptation, but it’s unclear in what capacity.
Moana premiered in 2016, and it was a commercial and critical hit, grossing $645 million worldwide and earning two Oscar nominations.
