Dwayne Johnson Reveals Release Date for Live-Action ‘Moana’ – Dwayne Johnson expressed feelings of both humility and excitement as he revealed the release date for Disney’s upcoming live-action remake of Moana on Tuesday. The highly anticipated film is scheduled to grace theaters on June 27, 2025, marking a nine-year gap since the release of the original.
“Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface. Far beneath in some cases,” Johnson, 51, wrote on Instagram, quoting the Moana character. “It’s my privilege to share our legends, songs, and dance of our Polynesian culture with all of you and your families,” the Black Adam star continued.
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Johnson included a photo of a Hawaiian island, with the Moana track “Tulou Tagaloa” sung by Olivia Foa’i playing. Johnson announced the live-action Moana remake during Disney’s 2023 shareholder meeting in April. “This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace, mana and warrior strength,” Johnson wrote on Instagram.
“I wear our culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once in a lifetime opportunity to reunite with MAUI, inspired by the spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.” The former wrestler who has transitioned into acting captured a video on a Hawaiian beach alongside his daughters Tiana (age 5) and Jasmine (age 7) to reveal the project.
“We are so excited and happy to announce that a live-action reimagining of Moana is in the works,” Johnson said. He promised the return of Moana and other signature aspects of the 2016 film, including “Gramma Tala, the music, the dance, Te Fiti, Pua the pig, the village” and “the beautiful, powerful ocean.” The beloved chicken Heihei and Johnson’s demigod character Maui are also returning.
Although Johnson is set to portray the live-action rendition of Maui, Auli’i Cravalho, who originally voiced Moana in 2016, confirmed in May that she will not be returning for the titular role. Nevertheless, as an executive producer for the 2025 film, the star of Mean Girls: The Musical will play a part in the process of choosing the new lead.
“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,” she said. “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,” Cravalho continued. “And I look forward to all the beautiful Pacific representation to come.” “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses,” Cravahlo said of the title character in an April press release.
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“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.” The initial release of Moana took place in November 2016, with Jon Musker and Ron Clements serving as the directors, who are renowned for their work on The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.
The talented voice cast included Temuera Morrison, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger, Jemaine Clement, and Alan Tudyk. The live-action adaptation of Moana is being produced by Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Hiram Garcia through their company Seven Bucks Productions, along with Beau Flynn from Flynn Picture Co.