A live-action version of Disney’s Moana is coming! Dwayne Johnson, who plays Maui in the original film, announced the news in a video shared on 3rd April and we are so excited.
The first film came out seven years ago and the new version will be one of Disney’s many live-action movies, including The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan and Wendy.
So, from the release date to cast and everything in between, here’s everything we know so far about the live-action remake of Moana.
When will live-action Moana be released?
Exciting news! The release date for the live-action version of Moana is said to be to be June 27th, 2025, according to a report in Collider.
In the announcement for the film earlier this year, Dwayne said there is still "work to be done" on the project but we can't wait to hear more news about this movie. Watch this space for updates!
Who will star in live-action Moana?
Dwayne, otherwise known as The Rock, said he will be returning to his role as Maui as well as being a producer in the new version. Auli’i Cravalho is set to be an executive producer, too, but she has revealed that she won't be playing Moana.
In an Instagram post on 20th May, she said: "When I was cast as Moana at 14, it wonderfully changed my life and started my career. In this live-action retelling, I will not be reprising the role. I believe it is absolutely vital the casting accurately represents the characters and stories we want to tell.
"I’m 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 help inspire her story. And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representations to come," she added.
Other characters that are set to return to the fictional island of Motunui are Gramma Tala, Pua the pig and Heihei the chicken – too cute!
When was live-action Moana announced?
Dwayne announced the news of the film in a video shared on 3rdApril.
In the clip filmed on a beautiful beach in Hawai’i, Dwayne – alongside his two, super cute daughters – said a live-action version is “in the works”.
“We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works,” he said in the video.
Furvah Shah is Cosmopolitan UK’s junior entertainment and lifestyle writer. She covers everything from TV and films to music and books, plus lots of celebrity news. Furvah has previously written for The Independent, BBC, gal-dem and Amaliah and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Halle Bailey, India Amarteifio, Iman Vellani and more. She's been interviewed for Times Radio and BBC Asian Network, graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest, binge-watching a Netflix series or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.