The live-action movie adaptation of Moana (2016) is beginning to take shape in terms of casting.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who dubbed Maui in the 2016 fully animated film Moana, showed fans some of the people that would soon be playing their respective roles on his Instagram page.
In the tweet with headshots of the actors next to their animated personas, Johnson said, “Exciting and inspiring casting news as we begin to bring together our live action MOANA family.”
The 17-year-old actress Catherine Laga’aia is the one tipped to play Moana, the title role of the Polynesian heroine. The Independent claims that despite having Samoan ancestry, the Sydney, Australia native is relatively unknown.
The remaining new cast members are Rena Owen, 61, as Gramma Tala, Frankie Adams, 30, as her mom Sina, and John Tui, 49, as her dad Chief Tui.
52-year-old Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has entered promotional mode for the upcoming live-action version of Moana, in which he will portray Maui after providing the voice of the character in the entirely animated film. Moana (2016) Sourced via Daily Mail
Johnson wrote, “And yours truly, as the demigod ~ MAUI,” to remind fans that he is a member of the cast after naming the four new actors.
After a fashion influencer called Olivia Culpo’s Dolce & Gabbana wedding gown “nothing” and the “absence of personality,” Christian McCaffrey defended his wife. The 28-year-old NFL player, who married the 32-year-old former Miss Universe winner over the weekend in Rhode Island, commented on Kennedy Bingham’s Instagram video on Tuesday, sharing her thoughts on the dress.As supplied by Daily Mail
“It’s our deepest honour to share the legends, songs, dances, and traditions of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families around the world,” the Hollywood leading man continued.
He continued by revealing that the live-action version of Moana will start filming in August and make its theatrical debut on July 10, 2026!
Johnson concluded the message by reminding readers that the live-action version will be helmed by Thomas Kail, and that the film’s soundtrack will be composed by renowned Broadway composer Lin Manuel Miranda.
Jared Bush, who wrote the screenplay for the fully animated Moana (2016), which went on to become a major hit with audiences and gross $687.2 million while working with a $150–175 million budget, is the writer Kail is using.
Given that The Rock has Samoan citizenship because his mother is Samoan, Moana is a sort of passion project for him, according to IMDb.
This narrative represents the grace and warrior power of my people, and it is part of my culture. He added of Moana, “I proudly wear this culture on my skin and in my soul.”
“The world of music and dance, which are fundamental to our identity as Polynesians, is the best way for us to honour the story of our people, our passion, and our purpose.”
Johnson shared some of the casting decision by posting a photo on Instagram featuring headshots of the cast alongside their animated characters Provided by Daily Mail
Catherine Laga’aia, 17, who will play the titular Polynesian heroine, is a Sydney, Australia native with Samoan heritage, like many of the cast Provided by Daily Mail
November 27, 2024 is when the fully animated Moana 2 is set to open in theatres. Source: Daily Mail
The animation Moana movie was only released seven years ago, but Sean Bailey, president of production at Disney Live Action, noted that the celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary played a part in the choice to adapt the movie so quickly.
Johnsons’ article coincides with the progress of Dave G. Derrick Jr.’s screenplay and direction work on the fully animated sequel, Moana 2.
The 23-year-old Auliʻi Cravalho will return to her title role as Moana in the animated film’s second part.
The release date of Moana 2 in theatres is set for November 27, 2024.