Moana fans love to sing “How Far I’ll Go,” but right now some are questioning if Disney has gone too far with a planned remake of the film.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced on Monday that a live-action remake of the 2016 hit animation is in the works.
Johnson revealed the project in a Twitter video, while on a beach on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu.
Inspired by Polynesian myths, the animated musical follows Moana, a Pacific Islander princess who sets sail on a mission to save her village, despite her father’s disapproval. During this quest, she meets demi-god Maui who stole a magical artifact named the Heart of Te Fiti. He joins her, along with a crazy rooster named Heihei, on a journey filled with adventure and unexpected setbacks. Throughout this pursuit, Moana learns more about her ancestors and her own identity.
“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,” Johnson said in the video.
“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.”
Johnson, who plays the voice of exuberant demi-God Maui, will produce the feature film via Seven Bucks Productions, alongside Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Beau Flynn via Flynn Picture Co.
Lead actor and voice of Moana, Auli‘i Cravalho, and Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo. will executive produce, in addition to Jared Bush and Samoan industry pro Dana Ledoux Miller.
Cravalho says Moana had a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses.
“Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way,” Cravalho said.
MIXED REACTIONS FROM MOANA FANS
Following news of the announcement, millions of fans were thrilled but there was also some criticism surrounding the timing of the remake, with some saying it’s too early for a live-action.
Meanwhile, others say this is just another example of Disney’s lack of originality.
Moana debuted in theaters on Nov. 23, 2016, grossing nearly $644 million in global box office and is one of the top 15 most streamed movies on Disney+ among American viewers in 2022, according to a news release on YouTube.
Regardless of the mixed reactions, fans will be saying aloha to the new, live-action Moana very soon.
