In a recent announcement on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson revealed that his next project will be a live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved 2016 animated film, Moana. The charismatic actor shared his excitement about taking on the role of the demigod Maui in this highly anticipated cinematic endeavor.
During the conversation with Fallon, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am the real-life Maui. Thank you guys very much. I’m so excited about this,” embracing the opportunity to embody the character known for his charm and larger-than-life personality.
Adding to the excitement, Johnson disclosed that the acclaimed director of Hamilton, Thomas Kail, will be at the helm of the live-action project. Lin Manuel-Miranda, known for his musical prowess, will contribute as the songwriter, ensuring that the original music from the animated movie is seamlessly integrated into the new adaptation.
In a musical interlude, Johnson treated the audience to a rendition of Maui’s hit song “You’re Welcome” from the original film, giving fans a taste of the musical magic they can expect in the live-action version.
The journey to bring Moana to life on the big screen began earlier this year when Johnson first shared the news during Disney’s 2023 shareholder meeting in April. Taking to Instagram, he expressed his deep connection to the project, saying, “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana, and warrior strength.”
Johnson sees the live-action Moana as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor his culture, tying the project to the spirit of his late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. He emphasized the significance of partnering with Disney Studios to showcase Polynesian culture through the powerful mediums of music and dance.
Wrapping up the announcement, Johnson shared the release date for the much-anticipated film – June 27, 2025. As fans eagerly await the opportunity to see Moana brought to life with The Rock’s charismatic portrayal, the live-action adaptation promises to be a celebration of culture, music, and the enduring spirit of this beloved animated tale.
