'Moana' live-action film in development, Dwayne Johnson announces in new video
A reimagining of "Moana" as a live-action feature film is currently in development.
In a video released Monday by Walt Disney Studios, "Moana" star Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the character of Maui in the 2016 movie, said the live-action version of the film is in the works.
"As you know, Hawaii means so much to my family and me, and the traditions of our ohana or 'aiga,' as we say in Samoa, were shaped by these incredible islands," Johnson says in the recorded video from the Hawaiian island of Oahu, which features his two daughters, Jasmine Johnson and Tia Giana Johnson. "The Pacific Islands and their cultures inspired a very special story, one that you all know very well. And that story is, drum roll please…."
Johnson and his two daughters then announce the movie together.
"Moana!" they say in unison.
"We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of 'Moana' is in the works," Johnson adds.
"Moana, Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village, the beautiful powerful ocean and one more… what's that guy's name? Oh! Yours truly, Heihei the chicken," he jokes. "Kidding, Heihei will be in it, but of course, Maui will be in it too."
Disney shared the news in a press release and Disney CEO Bob Iger also shared the announcement during The Walt Disney Company's Meeting of Shareholders webcast.
The upcoming project will be produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia via their Seven Bucks Productions, and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co.
"Moana" star Auli'i Cravalho, who voiced the titular character in the 2016 movie, will be an executive producer.
"The film 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," Disney's press release states. "Moana's journey of self-discovery and reflection on the lives of her ancestors won hearts worldwide, as did her newfound friendship with an exiled demigod named Maui."
In a tweet on Monday, Johnson said he was "humbled" to be bringing the story to the "live action big screen."
"#MAUI changed my life (miss you grandpa) and I’m honored to partner with @DisneyStudios to tell our story thru the realm of music & dance, which at the core is who we are as Polynesian people," he wrote.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and "Good Morning America."
