Background and Main Reason for the Remake
Moana is a 2016 animated musical film that is based on Polynesian mythology and the voyaging heritage of the Pacific Islanders. It tells the story of a courageous 16-year-old girl named Moana who sets out on a journey across the Pacific Ocean to save her people. The movie was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $643 million worldwide, and has been praised for its cultural representation and empowering female lead character.
Disney’s decision to make a live-action version of Moana is part of its ongoing strategy to convert its animated classics into live-action adaptations to appeal to a new generation of viewers. This strategy has seen the studio remake movies such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and The Jungle Book.
The Lead Actress Won’t Be Reprising Her Role
While fans of the animated version of Moana may be disappointed that Auli’i Cravalho won’t be in the live-action remake, the young actress is still involved in the film’s production. In a video posted on Instagram, Cravalho announced that she would serve a different role in the movie.
“It’s Vital That Casting Accurately Represents the Characters and Stories”
Cravalho emphasized that the casting had to be accurate, and the actress chosen for the role had to be of Pacific Island descent. She acknowledged the importance of accurately representing the characters and stories of Pacific peoples and cultures that inspired the tale of Moana.
The Producer’s Role in the Reboot
As an executive producer of the movie, Cravalho revealed that she would work behind the scenes to help find the next actress to portray Moana’s spirit, wit, and emotional strength accurately. She believes that passing the baton to a younger actress of Pacific Island heritage is an honorable and necessary step to take.
Dwayne Johnson to Produce and Reprise his Role as Maui
The Moana live-action remake isn’t the first collaboration between Dwayne Johnson and Disney. The popular actor and producer helped bring Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, and its sequel, to success for the studio. Additionally, he voiced the character of Maui in the 2016 animated Moana, a performance praised for its humor and charismatic energy. Johnson announced that he would also serve as an executive producer for the live-action remake. It appears that he might reprise his role as Maui, the friendly but egotistical demigod who aids Moana in her quest, in some capacity.
Other Disney Live-Action Remakes in the Pipeline
The live-action remake of Moana isn’t the only project Disney has in the works. Recently it was announced that the studio is working on developing a live-action version of Lilo & Stitch, a beloved animated movie that tells the story of a Hawaiian girl who befriends a mischievous extraterrestrial. The director of the upcoming The Little Mermaid remake, Rob Marshall, is set to direct.
The studio is also planning live-action adaptations of other classic animated movies such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pinocchio, Bambi, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Conclusion
Disney’s rich and diverse gallery of animated movies has always had universal appeal. By remaking them as live-action adaptations, the studio aims to reach a broader audience while retaining the original animation’s charm. As Moana joins other live-action remakes in the pipeline, viewers can expect to see exciting new adaptations of Disney’s classics.
FAQs
1. Who played the lead role of Moana in the animated version?
Auli’i Cravalho played the character of Moana in the animated version of Moana.
2. Will the live-action version of Moana have a different story?
It is unknown whether the live-action remake will feature any major changes to the story. However, the filmmakers are likely to adapt minor elements to suit the live-action format.
3. Who else is involved in the live-action reboot of Moana?
Dwayne Johnson will be an executive producer of the live-action reboot and may also reprise his role as the character Maui in some capacity.
4. What is the rationale behind Disney’s strategy of remaking its animated hits as live-action adaptations?
Disney’s rationale is to appeal to a new generation of viewers while retaining the charm and nostalgia of its original animated classics.
5. When can viewers expect to see Moana’s live-action remake?
There is no official release date yet for the live-action remake of Moana.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JBY4zGGGa4