'Moana' Live-Action Movie Will Begin Filming This Year

Earlier this month, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who provides the voice of Maui in the animated movie "Moana", broke the news that a live-action version of the 2016 Disney film is in the works.

The demigod voice actor announced the news in an adorable video with his two daughters when visiting the beach.

Just a few weeks after Johnson broke the news, reports are now confirming filming is slated to begin sometime in October and will film at various locations including Hawaii and Georgia.

Johnson has been confirmed to produce the movie under his Seven Bucks Productions song with Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia. Additionally, Beau Flynn, who wrote the screenplay for the original animated film, will be back to write the remake, along with Dana Ledoux. At this time, there has been no director named.

Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the original 2016 film, will executive produce with Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co.

At the time of publication, there has been no set release date announced for the upcoming live-action "Moana" movie, but the 2016 version is currently streaming on Disney+.

The former WWE star appeared in an adorable video as he stood on the beach, which looks much like the one “Moana” was set in. He began by saying, “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” Johnson said. “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.”

Johnson then grabbed everyone’s attention when he said, “We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of ‘Moana’ is in the works.”

Johnson went on to list many of the beloved characters who will return in the live-action project including Moana, Gramma Tala, Pua the Pig, and more. The actor concluded by saying, “and one more, what’s that guy’s name? Oh, yours truly, Hei-Hei the chicken, kidding! Hei-Hei’s going to be in it, but Maui’s going to be in it too.”

Although Johnson did not actually confirm if he would portray Maui in the upcoming film, his girls did hand him Maui’s iconic hook in the promo, indicating that is likely.

The original Disney Animated film, “Moana”, was released in 2016. The synopsis reads:

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped, and no one knows why… Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana is about an adventurous teenager who, with help from demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and save her people.

The film stars Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Rachel House (Gramma Tala), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui), Jemaine Clement (Tamatoa), Nicole Scherzinger (Sina), and others. The film is currently streaming on Disney’s streaming service, Disney+.