After his DC exit, Dwayne Johnson now has a new project: he will adapt an animated film into a live-action production for Walt Disney Studios.
Dwayne Johnson had great ambitions to enrich the DC universe as Black Adam, but future plans were thwarted after only one film appearance. Now, however, the 50-year-old Hollywood star has found a new project, as Walt Disney Studios announced on Twitter.
In 2016, the animated film “Moana” (in Europe “Vaiana”) was released, the 56th production of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, about the titular island dweller boasted the singer Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as voice actors.
Now “Moana” is to be adapted into a live-action film version in line with the Disney trend, as Dwayne Johnson explains in a detailed announcement video on Twitter. The actor, who lent his voice to the demigod Maui in the animated film, will also serve as producer.
“We are excited and happy to announce that a live-action adaptation of ‘Moana’ is in the works. Moana, Gramma Tala, the music, the dances […], the pig, the village, the wonderful, powerful sea and one more thing… What was it? Oh, of course: hei hei, the chicken. I’m kidding. Hei Hei will be in the movie, but of course Maui will be too.”
In addition to “Moana,” many Disney classics have been and will be wrapped in the garb of live-action film. In addition to “The Little Mermaid,” you can also expect “Peter Pan & Wendy” this year, for which a first preview has already been released:
Dwayne Johnson on the behind-the-scenes of “Moana”
In the video clip, Dwayne Johnson also explained why the project means so much to him. As in the animated film, the culture of the islanders will play a major role in the live-action adaptation. One person in particular inspired the character of Maui, as Dwayne Johnson explains in a statement (via Entertainment Weekly):
“I bow and am deeply overwhelmed with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moana to the big screen. This story is my culture and this story is emblematic of the grace and strength of our people. 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 touches me deeply.”
Dwayne Johnson
Whether other stars from the original will return as actors* in addition to Dwayne Johnson for the live-action adaptation of “Moana” is as yet unknown. However, Auliʻi Cravalho is at least acting as a producer on the project. If you have not yet enjoyed the two-time Oscar-nominated animated film, you can watch “Moana” at Disney+. If you don’t have a subscription to the streaming service yet, you can get your membership here.
