Disney announces that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in development

At today's Walt Disney Company shareholder meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney is developing a live-action reimagining of Moana.

No details yet on a release date, and Dwayne Johnson, the voice of Maui, said the process is still in its early stages.

Originally released as a 2016 Disney animated feature, the hit movie inspired a new Journey of Water attraction opening later this year at EPCOT.

“I’m deeply humbled and overcome with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the live-action big screen,” said Johnson, who plans to return to the fictional world to set sail with Moana. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength. 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. I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavor, because there is no better world for us to honor the story of our people, our passion, and our purpose than through the realm of music and dance, which is at the core of who we are as Polynesian people.”

Cravalho, a Native Hawaiian actor who helped shape the protagonist in the original film, said Moana’s reach is sweeping. “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” Cravalho explained. “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.”

Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production (Disney Live Action), said the film will join a successful lineup of live-action adaptations that includes Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and the highly anticipated The Little Mermaid, opening in theaters May 26. “It’s still early,” Bailey said, “but the idea of working with these fantastic partners to tell such a meaningful story on a live-action canvas, particularly as we celebrate 100 years of storytelling at Disney, is thrilling.”