After leaving DC, 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 bring the DC Universe to life as Black Adam, but plans for the future were dashed after just one film appearance. However, the 50-year-old Hollywood star has now found a new project, as Walt Disney Studios announced on Twitter.
In 2016, the animated film “Moana” (originally “Moana”) was the 56th production of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film about the eponymous islander, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, boasted singer Auliʻi Cravalho and voice actors Dwayne Johnson.
Now “Moiana” is to be adapted into a live-action version in accordance with the Disney trend, as Dwayne Johnson explains in a detailed announcement video on Twitter. The actor, who voiced the demigod Maui in the animated film, will also serve as a producer.
JUST ANNOUNCED: From Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, a live-action reimagining of Disney’s Moana is in the works! pic.twitter.com/4rQXLSJ5Zn
— Walt Disney Studios (@DisneyStudios) April 3, 2023
In addition to “Moiana”, many other Disney classics were and are wrapped in the live-action guise. In addition to The Little Mermaid, this year also features Peter Pan & Wendy.
Dwayne Johnson on the behind-the-scenes of Moiana
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 salute and am profoundly overwhelmed with gratitude to bring the beautiful story of Moiana to the big screen. This story is my culture and this story is emblematic of the grace and strength of our people. I carry that culture with pride on my skin and in my soul, and this unique 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.”
It is not yet known whether other stars from the original will return as actors in the live-action adaptation of “Moiana” alongside Dwayne Johnson. However, Auliʻi Cravalho acts at least as a producer on the project. If you haven’t yet enjoyed the two-time Oscar-nominated animated film, you can check out Moiana on Disney+. If you don’t have a subscription to the streaming service yet, you can secure your membership here.
