Live-Action Moana: Release Date, Cast, Director
Dwayne Johnson's Live-Action "Moana" Is Officially Coming in 2025
It sounds like fans will have to wait a little while to see the live-action adaption of "Moana." In a 14 June Instagram post, Dwayne Johnson revealed that the movie will premiere in 2025. "Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface. Far beneath in some cases," he wrote in the caption, quoting the original animated film. "Humbled (and excited) to share our official release date for our live action @disneystudios MOANA . . . It's my privilege to share our legends, songs, and dance of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families."
Back in April, Johnson officially revealed that a live-action adaption of the Disney hit was in production. Two months later, Johnson announced the film's director, and he's perfect for the job given that he already has a connection to the movie's main songwriter, Lin-Manuel Miranda. On 1 June, Johnson revealed via Instagram that Thomas Kail, the Tony Award-winning director of Miranda's Broadway musical, "Hamilton," is set to helm the live-action "Moana" movie. "I've been very inspired by Tommy's spirit, drive, talent, passion and hunger to create something special with 'MOANA' for the world to enjoy," Johnson wrote in part, adding, "He's 'the hardest worker in the room' who's won multiple Tony's for directing 'HAMILTON' and 'IN THE HEIGHTS,' so he comes to this project with intrinsic reverence for history and culture — edge and vibe — and music and dance." The "Fast X" star concluded his post, writing, "Our ancestors are watching and the ocean will always have a pulse."
Although Kail (who is married to Michelle Williams) will direct a Miranda-penned musical once again and Johnson will return in his original role of Maui the demi-god, unfortunately, Auli'i Cravalho — who voiced "Moana" in the animated original — won't be reprising her role in the remake.
"When I was cast as Moana at 14 it wonderfully changed my life and started my career," Cravalho said in an Instagram video shared on 19 May. "In this live-action retelling I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital that casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell. So, as an executive producer on the film, I cannot wait to help find the next actress to portray Moana's courageous spirit, undeniable wit and emotional strength. I am truly honored to pass this baton to the next young woman of Pacific Island descent, to honor our incredible Pacific peoples, cultures and communities that helped inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come."
22-year-old Cravalho will be serving alongside Johnson as an executive producer, though, meaning that she'll still be involved in bringing the story to life once more.
Johnson initially confirmed the news about the live-action adaption in a video shared on 3 April. In the announcement, which featured two of Johnson's young daughters, the star celebrated his connection to the island and his pride in the film. "We are here on the island of O'ahu, where I did a lot of growing up. As you know, Hawai'i means so much to my family and me," he said. "The Pacific islands and their cultures inspired a very special story. One that you all know very well. And that story is . . . drumroll please . . . 'Moana'!"
He went on to announce the live-action adaption, and also shared that his own character, Maui, was hugely inspired by his grandfather. "We found so much inspiration for Maui in the mana and the presence of my late grandfather, the legendary High Chief Peter Maivia," Johnson said. "He would walk in, light up the room — the energy, the tattoos, the hair, the bod . . . In a way, when I bring Maui to life, I'm doing it in the spirit of my grandfather."
Johnson further celebrated the news in a statement. "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," he said in a press release. "I want to thank my partners at Disney for their strong commitment to this special endeavour, because there is no better world for us to honour 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 also shared her excitement in a statement at the time. "She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses," she said of the movie's protagonist. "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."
Ahead, check out what we know about the live-action "Moana."
Live-Action "Moana" Announcement
Live-Action "Moana" Release Date
The movie will premiere on 27 June, 2025, Johnson revealed in a June Instagram post.
Live-Action "Moana" Cast
Not much is known about the cast so far, though we do know that Johnson will reprise his role as Maui. "Our #Moana announcement was a very special day. My family and I felt the mana, the power of the ocean and spirit of our ancestors," Johnson tweeted shortly after sharing the news about the remake. "Thank you all so much for the love, excitement & support. Singing, dance, culture. Maui is the role of a lifetime and I'll give it all I got🪝🌀."
Our #Moana announcement was a very special day.
My family and I felt the mana, the power of the ocean and spirit of our ancestors.
Thank you all so much for the love, excitement & support.
Singing, dance, culture.
Maui is the role of a lifetime and I'll give it all I got🪝🌀 pic.twitter.com/s2D6rH1vi3
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 5, 2023
